Bombers Beat Pump Jacks in Kilgore 11-5

The Bombers opened their two game series with the Pump Jacks tonight at Driller Park in Kilgore. The game was close for the first two innings, but the Bombers took control around the third inning and did not look back as the Bombers beat the Pump Jacks 11-5.

Left fielder Brandon Wood got the scoring started tonight for the Bombers in the first inning. Wood drilled a 3-2 pitch to left center field that scored both Second baseman Corey Toups and Third baseman Brennyn Smith who got on base by being hit by a pitch and hitting an infield hit respectfully. With two outs in the second inning, Shortstop Nick Smelser line a pitch down the right field line for a double. Smelser would score as the next hitter, Matt Smith, who came in for Toups, would also hit a double to right field to bring Smelser to the plate. The Bombers would score four runs in the third inning. First baseman James Wharton would lead the inning off by hitting a double to left field. Wharton would move to third on a pass ball, then come home to score on a double to right field by Left fielder Brandon Wood. Designated hitter, Brad Porras would hit a grounder to the shortstop for the Pump Jacks but the throw was thrown away and that allowed Wood to score the second run of the inning. Center fielder Jacob Rice would line a single in the infield and came to the plate along with Porras on a two run double to left center by Bobby Butvin. Butvin would once again drive in a couple of runs in the fifth inning. Bobby hit a triple to right field that scored Rice, but because of a poor throw from the second baseman of the Pump Jacks, Butvin came home as well. Wharton drove in two runs in the eighth inning to give the Bombers a 11-5 lead. Wharton belted a pitch to left field that scored both Matt Smith and Myles Parma who got on base with singles respectively. Brandon Wood was named the H&R Block Never Settle For Less Player of the Game.

College Station native, Brannon Easterling started on the mound tonight for the Bombers. Easterling had to work out of the first inning in which the Pump Jacks scored four runs, but Easterling took command and threw seven complete innings with a strikeout. Ryan Santhon came into the game and pitched the eighth inning and struck out a batter. Derek Mazzio pitched a solid ninth inning for the Bombers as they secured the win.

Nick Smelser made a nice play on a ball hit right at him. Smelser made the grab on the liner, then alertly stepped on second to double off a runner. Brennyn Smith made a nice play at third playing a ball off a hop and firing to Wharton at first for the out. Matt Smith made a nice play at second by diving for a ball then making a solid throw from his knees to first for the out. The defense was also able to turn two double plays to help out the pitching staff.

The Bombers conclude their series with the Pump Jacks tomorrow at 7:05 from Driller Park. The Bombers return home on Thursday to host The Woodlands Strykers. The game starts at 7:05 and is a Thirsty Thursday with $1 Beer and Soda compliments of Western Beverages! There will also be a Gabe Bock w/TEXAGS bobble giveaway at the game as well. The Bombers close out the regular season Friday against the Marshals from Allen High School. For information or to order tickets, call (979)779-PLAY or visit bvbombers.com.