For the second straight week, the East Texas Pump Jacks hosted the Texas Tomcats for a doubleheader at historic Driller Park.

Last Friday the Pump Jacks shut out the Tomcats twice in sweeping the twinbill. Thursday’s games featured more scoring as well as a slightly different outcome, with the two squads splitting the doubleheader. East Texas dropped the first game 4-1 but returned to capture the second contest 4-2 in comeback fashion.

In the nightcap, the Jacks entered the last of the sixth inning down by one. Matt Carvutto came to the plate with one away and lined a single to left field, his third hit of the night. Russell LaFleur pinch ran and immediately moved to second base on a wild pitch. Aaron McCain then singled to score LaFleur and tie the game at 2-2.

Abel Gonzales drew a base on balls and advanced behind McCain on a wild pitch before Michael Haynes walked, loading the bases. With Alex Fuselier at the plate, McCain scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch that allowed Gonzales to take third. A well-executed double-steal placed Haynes at second while Gonzales scored, stretching the lead to 4-2.

Texas had taken 1-0 and 2-1 leads earlier in game two with runs in the third and fifth. Both runs were unearned, as each runner reached on an error.

East Texas tied it for a spell in the bottom of the third. Haynes singled and stole second before advancing to third on the catcher’s throwing error. Fuselier walked and attempted to steal second. He was thrown out, but Haynes stole home after the throw to second base.

Jordan Nicholson started the game for East Texas, going four innings while walking two and allowing three hits. He gave up the first unearned run and struck out six. Chase Adams (2-1) took over for two frames to earn the win before Dusty Ross pitched a scoreless ninth for his team-leading fifth save.

Carvutto and McCain both finished 2-for-3 with a run in game two, and McCain drove in a run.

In the first contest, the Tomcats scored single runs in four different innings. Zach Oates, who no-hit the Pump Jacks but lost last Friday, pitched well again.

The Pump Jacks avoided the shutout with a sixth-inning run. Lee Orr reached before moving over on a single and walk. He crossed the plate on a wild pitch.

The doubleheader split didn’t make things easier on the Jacks as they try to capture the TCL’s first-half division crown. The Jacks remain in third place, a game and a half behind the Victoria Generals, who picked up a one game lead over the Brazos Valley Bombers with an extra-inning win Thursday night. Both the General and Bombers have two games remaining before the break, while the Pump Jacks close out on Saturday with a visit to Brazos Valley.

After the first half closes, the TCL celebrates with the league’s All-Star Game, and East Texas will be a big part of the celebration. Seven Pump Jacks were named to the North All-Stars, including four players who were voted to starting positions. Orr, Carvutto, and McCain will be joined by Zac Fisher in the starting lineup, while Nicholson, Khris Tate, and Brad Kottman are part of the North’s pitching staff. The All-Star Game will be held Monday, July 5, when it will be hosted by Victoria.

The second half of play gets going next Thursday with the Pump Jacks visiting the North Texas Copperheads.

Friday, July 9, marks the first 2010 visit to historic Driller Park by Brazos Valley, and it’s also one of the most popular promotions: Fireworks Friday presented by KLTV News. The Pump Jacks will light up the night sky with a spectacular post-game fireworks display, set to a brand-new soundtrack. Fireworks Friday presented by KLTV News always impresses, so don’t miss it!

East Texas closes out the short homestand next Saturday, July 10, with another Saturday Giveaway. Look for an announcement very shortly about what will be available for Saturday’s giveaway. One hint: Think electronics! The Jacks guarantee you’ll want to be here for this one!

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!

The Pump Jacks are still seeking families to host players. Hosting a player is a great experience that forges a lifelong bond with a young man, a relationship that transcends the game of baseball. Host families also receive free season tickets for every member of their household. If you’re interested in finding out more about the host family program, please contact the Pump Jacks at (903) 218-GO ET or [email protected].

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.