McKinney Marshals 1 Brazos Valley Bombers 0
Bryan-College Station, TX (July 2, 2009) –
The Brazos Valley Bombers came out on the short end of the stick tonight, as they fell to the McKinney Marshals 1-0. Brett Parsons’ TCL Record 15 game hit streak came to an end as the Bombers were only able to manage three hits.
The Marshals scored the only run they would need in the top of the first inning, as J.B. Brown doubled off Travis Smith and came around to score. The Bombers were able to keep McKinney off the board the rest of the game with great pitching and defense, but were unable to muster any run support for Smith, who dropped to 0-3 with the loss.
The loss drops the Bombers to 11-8 on the season, though they are still firmly in third place in the TCL standings. The East Texas Pump Jacks will be coming to town tomorrow for Stars and Stripes Weekend, which is sponsored by the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
Former astronaut Joe Kerwin will be throwing out the first pitch tomorrow to begin the festivities, which will include the biggest fireworks show in Bombers history immediately following the game. The following day, 300 lucky fans will receive Bombers pennants as a part of the first Saturday Giveaway of the year. Saturday’s game will begin at 5:05 pm, with Granger Smith performing a concert after the game.
East Texas 5, Coppell 2
The East Texas Pump Jacks defeated the Coppell Copperheads, 5-2, Thursday night at historic Driller Park in customary fashion: Strong starting pitching, timely hitting, a late rally, and a shutdown bullpen.
As a result, the Pump Jacks are now alone atop the TCL, inching a half-game ahead of the idle Victoria Generals and a game and a half over the Brazos Valley Bombers.
The Jacks erased a 1-0 deficit in a decisive sixth inning that saw them eliminate a Coppell threat with a heady double play, then rally for two runs with two outs to take the lead for good. East Texas added three more runs in the seventh to put the game away.
The Copperheads were up by a run in the sixth and threatening, with Jeff Emens on third and Preston Springer on first. Springer stole second, but Emens got careless and drifted too far off the third base bag, landing in a rundown. Every infielder except second baseman Greg Fontenot got in on the act before catcher Justin Snider tagged out Emens. In the meantime, Springer got greedy and made a break for third. Snider made a heads-up throw to catch Springer and complete the double play. As a result, instead of having runners on the corners with the heart of the order coming up, the Copperheads ran themselves out of the inning.
That was all it took for the momentum to swing in the Pump Jacks’ direction. With two outs in the home half of the frame, Ryan Oesterle earned a walk and Alex Robinson singled. An error by the center fielder put runners at second and third, spelling the end of the night for starting pitcher Jared Stafford. Emens, who started in right field, took the hill and promptly balked in the tying run. Snider then singled to right, scoring Robinson and giving East Texas its first lead of the night.
The Pump Jacks extended their lead to 5-1 in the seventh inning. The home team loaded the bases when Brett Nicholas reached on an error, Matt Juengel singled, and Ben Woodchick walked. One out later, Ryan Oesterle grounded into a fielder’s choice that erased Woodchick but scored Nicholas. Oesterle stole second to move into scoring position. Robinson followed with a single through the left side that scored two and extended the Jacks’ lead to 5-1.
All of this was more than enough for starter Matt Click, who cruised after giving up a run in the first inning. Click (3-1) moved into a tied for the league lead in wins with seven strong innings, allowing just the one run on three hits. He walked two and struck out six.
Ian Schwalenberg pitched the final two innings for East Texas, allowing a harmless run in the ninth on a sacrifice fly.
The Jacks outhit the Copperheads, 6-5, with Robinson leading the way for East Texas. The Notre Dame freshman went 2-for-3 with two RBI, a stolen base, and a run scored. Oesterle managed to score two runs and drive in another, adding a stolen base, all while going 0-for-3.
The Pump Jacks now embark on a road swing that will see them play eight games away from home over the next 11 days. The stretch begins with a four-game trip to Brazos Valley and Victoria, a trip that will have serious repercussions on the TCL standings. The Jacks will also play a two-game series each in Coppell and McKinney before returning home on July 14.
When the Pump Jacks return to town on July 14, the four-game homestand against the Bombers and Marshals will feature several fan-favorite promotions, plus a brand new offering. On July 14, when the Bombers come to town, the Jacks will hold their first Kids Eat Free night. At every Monday and Tuesday night home game for the remainder of the season, children 12 and under will receive a free hot dog, chips, and a drink just for attending the game.
Thursday, July 16, features not only the arrival of the McKinney Marshals, but the return of Thirsty Thursday. Fans are invited to beat the heat with dollar draft beers and 50¢ small soft drinks all night long.
Friday, July 17, is the Pump Jacks’ next Fireworks Friday, presented by KLTV News and The Breeze. The Jacks will light up the night sky with a spectacular post-game fireworks show. It’s one of just two remaining Fireworks Fridays on the season, so it can’t be missed!
Tickets for the Pump Jacks next homestand and the remainder of the Jacks’ 2009 season schedule are on sale now. Fans may purchase tickets at the Pump Jacks office at 1100 Stone Road, Suite 120, in Kilgore, or over the phone at (903) 218-GO ET. Tickets may also be purchased online – and printed at home on any home printer – by visiting www.pumpjacksbaseball.com.
1 comment
Go Marshalls!
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