Coming off four straight games of bunching hits and scoring multiple runs, the East Texas Pump Jacks struggled to find those timely knocks in a 3-1 Sunday night loss to the McKinney Marshals at historic Driller Park.
In a game where both teams combined for just 13 hits, the Pump Jacks managed just six hits on the night. Not once did they put two safeties together in the same inning.
McKinney’s defense certainly didn’t help the East Texas cause. Marshals shortstop Spencer Barnett routinely made outstanding plays to cut down Jacks rallies. After Jarid Scarafiotti singled in the second inning, Matt Carvutto hit a bouncer to Barnett’s right. The Oral Roberts University sophomore wheeled and threw to second base to start a brilliant double play. Barnett also made a tumbling catch of a popup and went deep into the hole to throw out the Jacks’ Blake Ellender in the sixth inning.
Marshals third baseman Patrick Palmeiro, son of former major leaguer all-star Rafael Palmeiro, and left fielder Boomer Collins played a part in keeping East Texas from rallying with diving catches. Catcher Jeff Schaffert also gunned down two Jacks runners on the basepaths.
While McKinney was flashing the leather, Pump Jacks pitchers were racking up strikeouts. Led by starting pitcher Garrett Methvin’s six strikeouts in 3.1 innings, Jacks pitchers struck out 14 Marshals hitters on the evening. Andy Steinmetz and Dusty Ross posted three whiffs apiece, while John Walter and Chase Adams picked up the other two strikeouts.
East Texas had its share of defensive highlights, too. Ellender made a diving catch on a deep fly ball with a runner on second to save a run. Pump Jacks pitchers Methvin, a native of Longview, and Steinmetz each picked off a McKinney runner.
Methvin coasted until the fourth inning. He walked two batters, allowed a hit and struck out one before giving way to Steinmetz. The Scottsdale Community College product allowed a single and fielder’s choice to bring in the first two runs of the game.
The Pump Jacks answered in the home half of the frame. Ellender led off with a liner down the right field line that landed him on second base. He advanced to third on a deep fly out from Michael Haynes. An Aaron McCain sacrifice fly brought cut the Marshals’ lead in half.
The Marshals posted an insurance run in the eighth inning with back-to-back doubles.
Scarafiotti was the leading Pump Jacks hitter with two hits in four at-bats. Luke Valerius reached base twice with a single and a walk.
The Pump Jacks are back home Tuesday night at 7:05 pm to face the Victoria Generals. Tuesday is the first Pump Jacks Dollar Day of the season, when fans can enjoy hot dogs, regular soft drinks, and popcorn for just one dollar each!
Wednesday night is Boudain Wednesday presented by Hebert’s Specialty Meats. Boudain, the Pump Jacks newest concessions item, is just $2 every Wednesday!
Thursday marks the first Thirsty Thursday of the season. The fan favorite returns this and every Thursday home game, when the Pump Jacks give you a chance to beat the heat with 50-cent soft drinks and one dollar draft beer!
With more players arriving daily, the Pump Jacks are still seeking several 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.