24/07/2010 10:30
 Box Score
The East Texas Pump Jacks saw every member of their starting lineup either drive in or score a run Friday night en route to an 8-2 drubbing of the visiting Alexandria Aces at historic Driller Park.
But even a balanced attack can have a standout performance, and on Friday, it was Joey Latulippe’s turn to shine. The Pump Jacks’ catcher went 4-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored, matching his season total in hits in just one night. The junior from Lamar paced a Pump Jacks offense that outhit Alexandria, 13-3.
The victory, the fifth in a row for East Texas, gives the Jacks sole possession of first place in the second half. The Pump Jacks move one game ahead of the Brazos Valley Bombers, who have been battling East Texas for the top spot.
Lee Orr started the scoring in the top of the first. After singling, he stole second base. Blake Ellender then dumped a soft line drive down the left field line to easily score the speedy Orr.
Latulippe, who had already singled in the second inning, doubled the Pump Jack lead with a single to right-center to score Zac Fisher in the fourth frame.
The 2-0 Jacks lead seemed insurmountable with Abel Gonzales on the mound. Gonzales allowed just two hits through his six innings, and only once in the first six did the Aces have two men on base at the same time. Gonzales induced nine groundouts and struck out four to improve to 4-1 on the mound.
Though the 2-0 lead felt safe, the East Texas offense set out to increase the advantage in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Matt Carvutto singled to lead off and moved to second on Fisher’s groundout. Aaron McCain walked in front of Latulippe, who lined another safety to score Carvutto. A walk to Michael Haynes loaded the bases for Jesse Santo, who crushed the ball to the right-center field gap for a two-run double and 5-0 lead.
With runners on second and third base, Brandon Wood delivered a soaring drive to deep right-center. As the crowd leapt to its feet and the Aces outfield converged, right fielder Brent Lindsay mishandled the fly, letting it bounce from his glove and fall safely to the ground – much to the satisfaction of the Pump Jacks faithful. Haynes scored on the gaffe, improving the Jacks advantage to 6-0.
Gonzales walked the first two hitters of the seventh inning, ending his outing and handing the game over to Chase Adams. A single, a hit batter and groundout brought home the two Alexandria runs, but Adams and the Pump Jacks escaped further damage.
East Texas put up single runs in the seventh and eighth innings for the final tallies.
In the seventh, McCain drew a two-out walk, advanced to second base on Latulippe’s fourth single, and scored on Haynes’ base hit to left field.
Orr doubled with one away in the eighth before an Ellender single through the box plated him. Orr finished the evening 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base, while Ellender added two hits and two RBI.
Carvutto also went 2-for-3, improving his league-leading batting average to .368.
Andy Steinmetz pitched the final two innings and kept the Aces from mounting another threat.
The Pump Jacks take their season-high five-game winning streak to Alexandria for a Saturday double-header beginning at 6 pm. In an effort to beat the impending tropical storm, the two teams will play two seven-inning games on Saturday in place of single games Saturday and Sunday. After taking Sunday off, the Pump Jacks return to Alexandria for a regular game on Monday.
The Texas Tomcats come back on Tuesday, July 27, for another Pump Jacks Dollar Day. This is the last chance in 2010 for fans to enjoy regular hot dogs, regular soft drinks and popcorn for just one dollar each.
Wednesday the Aces return to historic Driller Park as the Pump Jacks host a Cajun Fiesta! Boudain from Hebert’s Specialty Meats will be discounted to just $2, and frozen margaritas will be available for $3.
Pump Jacks Nation is now on Facebook! Visit the East Texas Pump Jacks official team page on Facebook to follow all the news and gossip about the Pump Jacks, post your thoughts on the Jacks 2010 season, upload photos, and interact with other fans. Plus, the Jacks will post specials and discounts just for the Facebook community on the page! Click the link on the left side of the Pump Jacks web site or at the top of every news article on the site, and join Pump Jacks Nation on Facebook!
To follow all Pump Jacks news, including player awards, game stories and promotions, log on to the team’s official Website at www.pumpjacksbaseball.com. |
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