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Pump Jacks Shut out by Bombers

July 15, 2013 - Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


The Pump Jacks dropped a tough one agaisnt the Brazos Valley Bombers in a low scoring pitchers duel. East Texas pitching was solid but proved to be no match for the Bombers starter, resulting in a 2-0 shutout on Sunday night.

Pitching wins ballgames, and that was just the case on Sunday night as the East Texas Pump Jacks were shut out by the Brazos Valley Bombers, 2-0.

Both sides put up a good fight in the ol' fashioned pitchers duel, but the Bombers came out on top thanks to a tremendous performance from starter Bryce Rutherford. The Cal State Northridge righty held the Jacks to just two infield hits through 7.2 innings before Matthew Dickey chipped a single into left. Rutherford had the upper hand on the Jacks and went on to pitch eight innings, striking out nine.

Riley Toler battled to keep up with Rutherford and pitched a commendable outing for East Texas, but unfortunately was tagged with the loss.

Toler did get into a bit of trouble in the second after allowing a lead off single, and following with a four-pitch walk. Both runners were sacrificed into scoring position and then Graham McIntyre singled to bring home a run.

After the second Toler settled down, and the ballgame remained 1-0 through the next four innings as both pitchers were dealing.

In the seventh Brazos broke onto the scoreboard yet again, this time for an unearned run. The inning started out rough as the lead off batter, who eventually came home to score, reached first on an error. After walking the second batter of the inning, Toler gave way to Don Sullivan who was able to pick up a strikeout on a failed bunt attempt with two strikes for the first out. However Patrick McLendon took advantage of a missed pitch from Sullivan and knocked a double to right to score the inherited runner and give the Bombers a 2-0 lead. Sullivan battled back to close out the inning and limit the damage, stranding two Bombers in scoring position.

Toler pitched his longest outing of the season throwing six plus while allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and striking out one. He allowed seven walks but was able to work his way out of multiple jams. Sullivan pitched two innings, allowing just the one hit and picking up one strikeout.

Kenny Oakley entered the game to relieve Sullivan with a runner on first in the ninth, and made things a little exciting by loading the bases, but then eventually finished a scoreless inning with two strikeouts.

The Jacks threatened to break the shut out in the bottom of the eighth. After two quick outs Dickey picked a single and swiped second for his 19th stolen base on the season, but unfortunately he was stranded there as Garrett McMullen struck out, leaving the Jacks scoreless.

East Texas added another hit in the ninth, this time a slow roller that Mitch Meyer legged into an infield single. Mark Mathias kept the hope alive, working a full count walk. However both runners were stranded to end the game, giving the Bombers the 2-1 win.

After a day off, the Jacks head on the road for a two-game set against the Victoria Generals before returning home to Driller to welcome the Acadiana Cane Cutters in the start of a four-game homestand. The homestand kicks off on July 18th with Thirsty Thursday. Beat the heat with dollar draft beers and fifty cent soft drinks.

Friday marks the fourth Fireworks Friday of the season. Join the Jacks as they light up the night sky yet again with an explosive fireworks show, presented by CBS19.

The festivities continue over the weekend as they Jacks take on the Victoria General Saturday and Sunday. Saturday night is Aflac Night, where the Pump Jacks will be giving away talking Alfac mini ducks to the first 300 fans. There will also be a memorabilia raffle throughout the game. Check with your local Aflac representative for FREE tickets to the game.

The homestand concludes with another Sunday Fun Day with the Jacks, presented by theGOspot.com. Enjoy $2.50 chips and salsa or $2.50 frozen margaritas and Straw-ber-ritas for the weekend event. The Pump Jacks will even have face painting for the kids, just on Sunday Fun Day presented by theGOspot.com.

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Texas Collegiate League Stories from July 15, 2013


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