Local Sports

MCKINNEY — Michael Reed scored an unearned run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to give McKinney a 1-0 win over East Texas Thursday at Gabe Nesbitt Field.

The loss drops East Texas to 15-18, while McKinney raises its mark to 20-12.

With runners at first and second in a scoreless game, Nick Schwaner lifted a fly ball to right field that handcuffed East Texas outfielder J.D. Dunn. Dunn dropped the catch, allowing Reed to score from second for the winning run.

This disrupted a stellar debut by East Texas starter James Alvarado. Recently acquired by the ’Jacks, the Howard College pitcher went eight shutout innings, allowing four hits with three walks and three strikeouts.

“Very impressive to come out for your first outing and do what he did,” said East Texas head coach Stan Phelps. “You couldn’t ask much more from him.”

Aaron Wilkerson, who relieved Alvarado in the ninth, gets the loss, despite not giving up a hit with two walks.

East Texas was held to three singles in the loss as Alabama product Jimmy Nelson fanned 10 batters with three walks. Del Howell, also an Alabama pitcher, grabbed the win with two scoreless relief innings.

“They threw two of their better arms, so we had a tough time of it,” Phelps said. “And we are down two people because of injury. We were just trying to scrap across some runs and it didn’t happen.”

The teams meet again at 7:05 p.m. today at Gabe Nesbitt Field.

———

Marshalls 1, Pump Jacks 0

East Texas 000 000 000 — 0 3 1

McKinney 000 000 001 — 1 4 1

J. Alvarado, Aaron Wilkerson (9) and Logan Moro; Jimmy Nelson, Del Howell (8) and Joe Oliveira, Mike Sharp (8). W – Howell (2-1). L – Wilkerson (2-2). SB – ET: Adam De La Garza.

RECORDS

— East Texas 15-18, McKinney 20-12.

NEXT UP

— East Texas at McKinney, 7:05 p.m. Friday at Gabe Nesbitt Field.