This season’s tournament berth marked the fifth consecutive playoff appearance by the Bombers in the Texas Collegiate League, who were awarded first round series with the East Texas Pump Jack. Both the offense and defense gave the number one overall seed a run for their money, but could not punch enough across to take game one. The Pump Jacks ended up taking the contest by a score of 4-2, and take a 1-0 lead in the best of three game series.

Texas A&M first baseman Jacob House got things started for the Bombers early in the 1st with a two-RBI double down the right field line. The Bombers have made a habit out of scoring early in contests, tallying at least one run in the first inning in each of the last three games. House’s night only improved from there; he added another double during his next at bat, as well as a stolen base. Designated hitter Greg Olsen also had a fine night, contributing at the plate with 2-for-4 night.

Michael Hilliard got the starting nod for the Bombers, and after giving up a solo homer to Pump Jacks’ designated hitter Hunter Dozier in the 1st, settled in a cruised through the next two frames. Hilliard ran into some trouble in the 4th but managed to only give up one run after the Pump Jacks loaded the bases with no outs. Geoff Lomax came into to relieve Hilliard in the top of the 8th, but not before Hilliard was given a standing ovation by the Bomber faithful for his seven innings of five hit, three run pitching that had kept the nationally ranked Pump Jacks at bay. Lomax came on and pitched two solid innings, allowing the Bomber offense to stay within striking distance. Unfortunately, East Texas Pump Jack reliever and co-relief pitcher of the year, Jason Jester, came in and shut down the Brazos Valley offense for the save.

The Bombers will travel to Kilgore for game two on Saturday night, needing to win both that game, as well as Sunday’s to advance to the TCL Championship Series. All playoff games can be watched on bvbombers.com.