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Pump Jacks Rally to Sweep Strykers

July 6, 2013 - Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


The Pump Jacks pull away with a wild one thanks to a late innings rally and two home runs.

The East Texas Pump Jacks continue to roll on, collecting their seventh win in a row with a 10-7 defeat of the Woodlands Strykers Friday Night.

The game was a seesaw affair but the Pump Jacks pulled away with another late innings rally, including a home run to kick-start the charge for the second night in a row. With the win, the Jacks also pick up the sweep making it their third series sweep in a row.

Like the night prior, the Pump Jacks plated a run in both the first and second innings to jump to an early lead. In the first, Matthew Dickey opened the game with a walk, moved to second on a ground out from Bret Bitow, and made his way to third on a passed ball. Dickey crossed home for the first run of the game on an RBI groundout from Joey Armstrong.

Then in the second Nate Esposito opened the frame with a single to left, and moved to second on a groundout by Ty Marlow. Ryan Hope continued his clutch hitting, lacing a double to bring home Esposito and give East Texas a 2-0 lead.

However the lead did not last long, as the Strykers tallied a five run inning in the bottom of the second to pull ahead the Pump Jacks.

The Pump Jacks answered right back the very next inning to even the score at five thanks some timely hitting. Dickey once again opened the inning reaching first, this time on an error. He then took second for his 15th stolen base on the year, and moved to third on a broken bat groundout from Bitow. Armstrong earned his second RBI of the night on a groundout that was misplayed by the Strykers, which resulted in him reaching first safely. Garrett McMullen kept the inning going with a first-pitch bloop double, moving two runners into scoring position for Ty Marlow. Marlow bounded a single bounced past the glove of the Strykers shortstop and into left field, bringing home both runners and tying the game.

The lead changed yet again in the fourth, as the Strykers plated the go-ahead run on a wild pitch to regain the lead 6-5. They then added another in the fifth after Jacob Kelzer, who came into relieve starter Jordan Johnson, allowed back-to-back walks, and then an error from Armstrong loaded the bases with one out. The runner at third crossed home a sacrifice fly. Don Sullivan relieved Kelzer and was able to work out of the jam, inducing two groundouts to end the inning.

The Pump Jacks were not done yet. In the top of the sixth they rallied back into the game thanks to a huge home run from Ty Marlow. Esposito worked a walk to lead off the inning, to put a runner on first for Ty Marlow who belted his third homer of the year, scoring two and retying the game.

The rally continued, with two outs in the eighth inning the Pump Jacks brought in J.J. Robinson to pinch hit. Robinson rewarded their decision by blasting a home run to over the wall in right to give the Pump Jacks a 8-7 lead. The long ball was Robinson's third on the season and the third multi home run game for the Pump Jacks.

The Jacks added some insurance in the top of the ninth, scoring two more to secure a 10-7 lead. For the third time on the night, Dickey reached first safely, this time with a walk. He then stole second and crossed home on a double from Brooks Marlow, his eighth on the season. Brooks Marlow moved over to third on a fly out from Armstrong, and Esposito knocked a line drive to center to plate Marlow and push the final to 10-7.

Johnson had rough start and finished the night pitching four innings for the Jacks allowing six runs on six hits, while picking up two strikeouts. Kelzer pitched a third of an inning allowing one run and walked three.

Sullivan earned the win for the Pump Jacks pitching 2.2 scoreless innings and allowing only one hit. J.J. Franklin closed out the game pitching the final two innings, and picked up his first save of the season.

The Pump Jacks continue their road trip with a two-game set against the Texas Marshals on Saturday and Sunday night.

Then all eyes will be East Texas for the 2013 TCL All-Star Game next Tuesday July 9th. Future major leaguers will descend on historic Driller Park for the first TCL All-Star Game hosted by the Pump Jacks. Pregame festivities include a home run derby, which will include representatives from each of the six teams, as well as an all-star autograph session.

Tickets for the TCL All-Star Game can be purchased online at pumpjacksbaseball.com, in person at the Pump Jacks office at 106 North Kilgore Street, #201, in downtown Kilgore, or at the ticket office at Driller Park the night of the game.

To get all the news on the Pump Jacks 2013 season, including game stories and promotional updates, visit the Pump Jacks official web site at www.pumpjacksbaseball.com. Join the conversation with other members of Pump Jacks Nation by visiting the Pump Jacks on Facebook and Twitter.

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