Fans were treated to both a stunning Brazos Valley Bombers’ 8-7 walk-off win over the Alexandria Aces Thursday and free koozies courtesy of The District on Luther as the stadium celebrated Back to College Night. The Bombers’ two game sweep of the Aces catapulted the team right back into the playoff picture with only six games remaining in the season.

The Bombers struck quickly against Aces’ starter Mark Todd by means of a clutch two out, two RBI single by second baseman Brennyn Smith that chased home Herb Romero and Trey Porras in the bottom of the 1st inning. That was the first of two hits on the evening for Smith. Bombers centerfielder Scott Arthur also collected a pair of base knocks, mixing in one RBI and a run scored.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, with the game tied at seven, catcher John Cannon laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Matt Milligan and Adam Smith on the basepaths. Cannon’s bunt was fielded and thrown to third base in an attempt to stop the lead runner, but the ball ended up getting away and scooting down the left field line, allowing Milligan to trot home for the rousing walk off win.

Jameson Holt got the nod for Brazos Valley and pitched a workman-like six innings for the Bombers. The southpaw struck out eight Aces en route to earning the tough luck no decision.

In other news, owner Uri Geva and estranged announcer Damon Slaydon have reached a settlement that will bring Slaydon back to the announcer’s chair effective Friday. The two sides “texted on our Cricket Wireless phones until their fingers were numb,” according to Geva, and ultimately reached a deal. “After being in Damon’s chair tonight, I realized that the announcer really does need that extra sweet tea,” Geva said. “My voice is completely hoarse. I don’t know how Damon has managed to this point.” Terms of the deal include more Chicken Express Sweet Tea for Slaydon, but no bathroom in the press box, as the sides met in the middle of each party’s initial requests. “At the end of the day, I just wanted to be here,” Slaydon said. “East Texas is great, but can’t replicate the fan experience at Brazos Valley Bank Ballpark. The love from the fans made me want to stay.” Slaydon’s new deal is going to keep him behind the microphone at Bombers’ games for a long time.

The team will remain at home Friday and Saturday as they play host to the visiting Acadiana Cane Cutters for a two-game weekend series. Friday night’s game is Aggie Night, brought to you by Jones & Lowe Agency, at Brazos Valley Bank Ballpark, featuring appearances by Texas A&M University athletes and a bobblehead giveway of Billy Liucci from TexAgs.com. Be sure to come out to Faith Night on Saturday, where there will be a pregame concert by the local Christian band Crosswind and a full evening of uplifting and spiritual music. Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased at the gate or at bvbombers.com.