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Pump Jacks Score 13 to Grab First Victory

June 2, 2013 - Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


On the strength of a Ty Marlow home run, the Pump Jacks grabbed their first win of the season Saturday, a 13-4 drubbing of the Woodlands Strykers.

Sometimes, the first one is the hardest. The East Texas Pump Jacks notched their first victory of the 2013 season Saturday, downing the Woodlands Strykers on the road by a score of 13-4.

The win was also head coach Mark Kertenian's first at the helm of the Pump Jacks. Kertenian took over for former skipper Ben Taylor in November.

The Pump Jacks offense, which scored 15 runs in its first two games, continued to roll Saturday, posting a baker's dozen on the winless Strykers. The Woodlands are the only team in the TCL without a victory this season.

For the third game in a row, the Pump Jacks took an early lead, and never took their foot off the pedal. In the first, after a single from Brooks Marlow and a walk to Ty Marlow, Garret McMullen hit an RBI ground out, giving the Jacks a 1-0 lead.

East Texas extended the lead to 5-0 with four runs in the second inning, all without registering a hit. The rally began with a walk to Joey Armstrong. Wes Edrington advanced him to second on a ground out. Back-to-back walks to Ryan Hope and Connor Bitzer loaded the bases. Matthew Dickey lofted a sacrifice fly to score the first run of the inning. Brooks Marlow drew a walk to load the bases yet again, and Ty hit a slow roller to third that was mishandled to score another run. A hit by a pitch, and another walk forced in the final two runs of the inning.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Strykers crept their way back into the game, scoring their only four runs of the contest. The first run was scored with three straight singles, then a tough-luck grounder to short took a terrible hop over Edrington, plating another run. The final two runs came on a double from Zach LeJeune, closing the gap to 5-4.

The damage in the frame could have been worse were it not for an inning-ending double play. For the second night in a row, McMullen caught a fly ball to right for the second out of the inning, then threw a line drive to catcher J.J. Robinson, who nailed the runner trying to tag up and notch the final out of the inning.

In the top of the sixth, the Jacks sent nine batters to the plate and scored four runs, blowing the game wide open. Both Marlow brothers reached base on throwing errors. With the Marlows on the corners, McMullen knocked a beautiful hit-and-run into the gap in right for his second RBI of the night. Robinson followed with an RBI single of his own. Armstrong loaded the bases with a bunt single, his first hit of the season. Edrington's chopper to third brought home another run, extending the lead to 9-4.

The Pump Jacks added some insurance in the top of the ninth, once again with the help of the Marlow brothers. With two outs, Brooks Marlow hit a screaming two- run double to give East Texas an 11-4 lead. Not to be outdone, the elder Marlow followed up with the first home run of the Pump Jack season over the wall in center to drive home his brother, and push the score 13-4.

After giving up four runs in the first three innings, the East Texas bullpen did not allow a run for the duration of the game. Kenny Oakley got the start for the Jacks and pitched two scoreless innings. Since it was his first start of the season, he was one a strict pitch count and came out after two. Ben Mordini showed improvement but suffered some tough breaks, allowing four runs - two of them earned - in one-plus innings.

Joshua Holley, who was added to the roster at 11:55 p.m. Thursday night, was stellar in relief to earn the win. He entered the game with the bases loaded and no outs in the fourth, and the Strykers were already within one run. He notched a strikeout then worked out of the jam without ceding another run. He went on to pitch four scoreless innings, allowing only two hits, and striking out two batters. Ty Marlow closed out the game for the Jacks, pitching two innings and striking out three batters.

The Pump Jacks will wrap up their season-opening four-game road trip against the Strykers Sunday night at 7:05 p.m.

East Texas opens their home schedule Tuesday, June 4, when they welcome the Acadiana Cane Cutters to historic Driller Park. The Jacks close out the series with the Cane Cutters on Wednesday.

The Pump Jacks are offering fans free tickets to the home opener; all you have to do is connect to the Pump Jacks through social media. Like the Pump Jacks on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for your free tickets.

Thirsty Thursday returns on June 6 when the Jacks welcome the Victoria Generals in a rematch of the 2012 TCL Championship Series. Fans can enjoy 50-cent soft drinks and one dollar draft beers all night long.

The first Fireworks Friday will take place next week on June 7, presented by Patterson Kilgore and CBS 19. After the game with the Generals, the Pump Jacks will light up the night sky with a spectacular postgame fireworks show, set to a brand new soundtrack.

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