On a typical night, allowing just six hits while striking out eight batters would be enough to claim victory.

The East Texas Pump Jacks had one of those nights, but it didn’t quite work as planned.

Pump Jacks pitchers Tyler Mack, Chase Adams and Dusty Ross pitched admirably, scattering four singles in different innings, but a walk and two Marshals home runs pushed McKinney on top of East Texas 5-2.

Mack, the starter, struck out four in his five innings and took the hard-luck loss. He held the Marshals scoreless until the fifth frame, when a hard-hit ball flew over the short fence in left field for the first runs of the game and a 3-0 McKinney lead. Mack’s best inning was the fourth, when he quickly dispatched the Marshals on a groundout and two K’s.

The Pump Jacks answered with two runs on three hits in the top of the sixth inning. Matt Carvutto led off with a single and Alex Fuselier drew a two-out walk. Luke Valerius singled to right field to score Carvutto, followed by Jarid Scarafiotti lashing a base hit as Fuselier trotted home.

Scarafiotti finished 1-for-3 at the plate with that one RBI, but his most important contributions came from behind the dish. The Marshals, coming into the night tied with the Pump Jacks in steals, decided to test Scarafiotti’s arm. McKinney discovered it was a howitzer on the catcher’s right side, as he gunned down three Marshals attempting to steal.

Adams pitched the sixth and seventh innings and gave up a two-run homer on a ball carried by the wind, but he struck out three Marshals and induced two harmless grounders.

East Texas finished the night with just the three hits in the sixth inning, but they worked six walks from McKinney pitching. Aaron McCain, Zac Fisher and Fuselier all finished with two bases on balls.

The Pump Jacks return home tomorrow for a fan-favorite promotion: Thirsty Thursday presented by 96X. Beat the heat with 12-ounce draft beers for just one dollar and regular soft drinks for only 50 cents! Enjoy discounted drinks while the Jacks tangle with the Texas Tomcats on Thirsty Thursday presented by 96X.

The Tomcats stay in town for another night, and for good reason: Fireworks Friday presented by KLTV News. The Pump Jacks will light up the night sky with a spectacular post-game fireworks display Friday night, set to a brand-new soundtrack. Fireworks Friday presented by KLTV News always impresses, so don’t miss it!

East Texas closes out the homestand next Saturday, June 26, with another Saturday Giveaway. Join the Jacks as they face the defending TCL champion North Texas Copperheads, but come early for your chance to walk away with some valuable gear.

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.