#18 Nick Anders -Brazos Valley Bombers
Kilgore, TX (July 31, 2008) –
The Brazos Valley Bombers began their road trip to Kilgore in good fashion, defeating the Pumpjacks 8-6 to collect their second consecutive victory. The Bombers trailed 6-4 in the eighth inning, but strung together four runs to come from behind and take the lead. Steve Horlacher pitched two scoreless innings in his second game with the Bombers to pick up his first save in a Bombers uniform.
The Bombers began the game with two quick runs as Zach Grichor and Nick Anders scored on wild pitches, but the Pumpjacks scored three runs in the first two innings off John Touchton to take the 3-2 lead. Brazos Valley tacked on two more runs in the top of the seventh inning to take back the lead, 4-3, but East Texas came right back with three runs on three hits in the bottom of the seventh.
Trailing 6-4 heading into the eighth inning, the Bombers pieced together four hits and four runs, including Zach Grichor’s two-RBI single that put the Bombers ahead for good. Horlacher pitched the final two innings without giving up a run to seal the deal for the Bombers, who improved to 19-25 with the win.
McKinney Marshals 13 Coppell Copperheads 5
Myrio Richard (Prairie View A&M) blasted three home runs and drove in seven runs while Nick Thomas (McLennan) pitched six strong innings to lead the Marshals (26-18) over Coppell (23-22) 13-5 Thursday night at the Snake Pit.
The win clinched the regular season title for the Marshals and ensured home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The rest of the four-team field is still up for grabs, so the Marshals do not know who their first round foe will be.
Richard ended the night going 4-6, and scoring four runs for what may have been the most successful individual performance in TCL history.
As impressive as his performance was, almost equal was the performance of Thomas. After making 16 appearances out of the bullpen this season, Thomas was called upon to start for the first time, and in a pretty big game. But he was absolutely up to the task, facing the minimum number of batters through six innings. He allowed a leadoff hit and a walk in the seventh before being pulled and replaced by Hunter Hill (Texas).
The Marshals offense belted out 19 hits on the night with seven of the nine starters having at least two hits apiece. Joe Oliveira (Pacific) hit his second home run of the season, giving the Marshals a total of four home runs on the night.
The Marshals return to Coppell Friday before a weekend trip to close out the season at Brazos Valley. The playoffs kick off with McKinney on the road on Tuesday, most likely at Brazos Valley. They will host games two and three (if necessary) on Wednesday and Thursday.
