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Pump Jacks Shutout Bombers to Continue Hot Streak

July 22, 2011 - Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


Pitching and defense are the two ingredients that win championships.

The Pump Jacks put both on display in their recent home stand, sweeping the Brazos Valley Bombers in a two-game set.

The combination of Jaron Long, Andy Steinmetz and Jason Jester combined to shut out the Bombers 2-0 in front of buzzing Thirsty Thursday crowd at historic Driller Park

One day after knocking a two RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to give the Pump Jacks a 2-1 walk off win, Nathan Pittman played the hero again in a different role. With the Jacks leading 1-0 in the top of the fifth, Pittman made an incredible over-the-shoulder diving catch against the left field wall, ending the inning and saving at least two runs.

With the win, the Pump Jacks improved to a TCL-best 29-12 on the season. The Jacks have won 18 of their last 21 games leading to a #10 ranking in the nation in summer collegiate league baseball, according to Perfect Game.

Long took the hill in his first start of the season and walked away with his first win. The Ohio State commit tossed five strong innings, giving up no runs while scattering three hits and striking out three. Making only his third appearance in relief this season, Steinmetz shut down the six batters he faced, giving up no hits and striking out three in two innings.

Coming into the game with 18 consecutive scoreless innings, Jester did exactly what Pump Jacks fans expected him to do: lock down the vicory. The Hallsville native picked up his sixth save of the season and stretched his scoreless streak to 20, allowing no hits and striking out one.

John Michael Twichell improved his average to a Pump Jacks-leading .372 after going 2-for-3 at the plate. Hunter Dozier had an RBI single and Kirby Pellant had a sacrifice fly to give the Jacks their two runs of the game. Ty Marlow and Ryan Moore each had a single and scored a run. The speedy duo each stole a pair of bases as well.

Marlow led off the game with a single and advanced to second on a groundout from Pellant. With Marlow running on the pitch, Dozier lined a ball to right field, allowing Marlow to score easily and give the Jacks an early 1-0 lead.

The Bombers threatened in the top of the second with runners at second and third, but Long ended the inning with back-to-back strikeouts. Such was the case in the fifth as well. With runners at first and second, Pittman robbed Bomber right fielder Scott Arthur with a diving catch against the wall, securing Long's scoreless outing and the Jacks 1-0 lead.

Kansas State's Moore led off the bottom of the fifth inning with a single and promptly stole second. The Chandler, AZ native, who was clocked running a 6.3-60 yard dash, stole second and third. He then tagged and scored on a shallow sacrifice fly to center from Pellant, giving the Jacks a 2-0 lead that they would carry to the end of the contest.

The first place Pump Jacks hit the road Thursday for a two-game set with the Alexandria Aces, who are fresh off a two-game sweep of their own over the Victoria Generals. East Texas welcomes a day off Sunday before heading to Coppell on Monday for a two-game series with the Copperheads.

The Bombers return to town on July 27 for Winning Inning Wednesday presented by Jack in the Box. If the Pump Jacks score three or more runs in any innings, every fan will go home with a coupon for a free item from Jack in the Box.

The two game set is wrapped up with Thirsty Thursday. Fans can beat the East Texas heat with $1 draft beers, $3 frozen margaritas and 50-cent soft drinks all night long.

To follow all the news and to watch every pitch of the 2011 season, visit the Pump Jacks official web site at www.pumpjacksbaseball.com. Interact with other Pump Jacks fans and enjoy special promotions and polls by visiting the Pump Jacks on Facebook and Twitter.

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Texas Collegiate League Stories from July 22, 2011


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