Pump Jacks Rally But Fall to Strykers

July 25, 2014 - Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


The Jacks came back from an early deficit to take the lead Wednesday, but a late surge by The Woodlands did them in.

The East Texas Pump Jacks drive for the playoffs hit a bump in the road Wednesday when they dropped a 13-4 decision on the road to the Woodlands Strykers.

The Pump Jacks entered the game with a three-game win streak and victories in five of their last six games. The Jacks are one game behind the Texas Marshals in the race for the final playoff spot, with the Marshals slated to visit historic Driller Park Thursday and Friday.

On Wednesday, the Pump Jacks showed the never-say-die spirit that has fueled their second-half surge. The Woodlands got on the board first, posting a pair of runs in the second inning. A leadoff double and a walk put a pair of runners on base, and a throwing error on a sacrifice bunt allowed the first run of the ballgame. A sacrifice fly quickly followed, expanding the lead to 2-0.

East Texas answered quickly in the top of the third, cutting the Strykers lead in half. Anthony Gonsolin drew a two-out walk and promptly stole second base. Joe Moroney hit a scorching RBI double down the right field line that scored Gonsolin easily to narrow the gap to 2-1.

The Pump Jacks tied the game in the fourth inning without even putting the ball in play. Dustin Williams worked a one-out walk, Chris Osborne was hit by a pitch, and Connor Hornsby earned a walk of his own to load the bases. One out later, with Nick Rabat at the plate, a passed ball allowed Williams to lumber home and tie the score at 2-2.

The Jacks loaded the bases again in the fifth inning, this time scoring two runs and taking the lead. Gonsolin singled over the third baseman to lead off, then stole second. Moroney and Connor Huesers walked to fill the bases. Peter Miller hit a bouncer to the shortstop, whose wild throw home allowed Gonsolin to score and kept the bases loaded. One out later, Osborne singled to right to score Moroney and widen the new Pump Jacks lead to 4-2.

The Woodlands surge began in the sixth, when they dispensed with East Texas starting pitcher Kyle Garvin and reached the Jacks bullpen. Garvin walked the first two Strykers before Jacob Byrd came on in relief. Both runners came around to score, tying the game at 4-4.

The wheels came off in the seventh inning, when The Woodlands sent 12 batters to the plate and scored seven runs. The Strykers added two runs in the eighth on a Connor Kalisky home run.

Garvin allowed four runs in five innings, striking out five. Tanner Cable took the loss after taking over for Byrd in the seventh. Jordon Gonzalez and Danny Bolanos finished out the game for the Pump Jacks.

Moroney reached base three times with a double and two walks, driving in a run and scoring once. Gonsolin walked and singled, scoring two runs.

The Jacks return to historic Driller Park Thursday for a series against the Marshals. Not only does the two-game set loom large in the playoff race, but the series features two of the team's most popular promotions.

The homestand opens with Thirsty Thursday, when fans can keep cool with discounted frosty beverages. Draft beers are just one dollar and regular soft drinks are only 50 cents, so fans can face the heat of the playoff push with some cool drinks.

Friday is the Jacks' third Fireworks Friday of the season, presented by CBS 19. Following the game, the team will light up the night sky with its famous fireworks display. Tickets are going fast, so don't miss out on the Pump Jacks' only fireworks show in July!



Texas Collegiate League Stories from July 25, 2014


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