27/07/2010 09:59
The final six outs, however, didn’t go the same way.
The Pump Jacks took a late 2-1 lead over the Alexandria Aces, but the Aces scored twice in the bottom of the eighth for a come-from-behind 3-2 win Monday in Louisiana.
It took nearly five full innings for the first Pump Jack hit, but by that time they had already put a run on the board.
Jesse Santo was hit by the first pitch of the third inning, and he advanced to third base on two consecutive pitches to the backstop. Lee Orr then hit a fly ball to center, and Santo tagged and scored for a 1-0 East Texas lead.
That advantage didn’t hold long, as the Aces combined two doubles in the bottom of the fourth inning to plate the tying run.
The first Jack safety came in the form of a single off Blake Brown’s bat in the top of the fifth inning. Brown, who was hitless for the summer to that point, earned applause from his teammates as he showed signs of breaking out of his slump.
Brad Kottman was on the mound for the Jacks, and for the first time an opposing team hit him somewhat hard. Kottman, however, was up to the challenge, getting out of jams like a magician.
The Aces put runners on first and second with one out in the second inning, but Kottman induced a groundout and strikeout to end the threat. The very next inning was almost the same, as baserunners were on the corners with one away, Again Kottman struck a batter out, this time before a fly ball ended the frame.
Kottman stuck it out for six innings with five K’s, allowing just the one run on seven hits.
Orr led off the eighth inning with a double high off the wall. He moved to third base on a Michael Haynes sacrifice bunt. Matt Carvutto was intentionally walked, and soon after he went for second base. The catcher’s throw skipped past both middle infielders and Orr scored, giving the Pump Jacks a 2-1 lead.
The Aces came back again in the bottom of the frame, however, with two hits, two walks and a throwing error bringing home two runs.
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.
|
|
|
