'Jacks sign three more, all from Weatherford
TEXAS COLLEGIATE BASEBALL LEAGUE
From special reports

The East Texas Pump Jacks doubled their roster today with the announcement that the team has signed three Weatherford College players. Pitchers Khris Tate and Bryan Dixon and outfielder Garrett Smith, all freshmen, bring to six the number of players committed for the Pump Jacks' inaugural season.

All three players are Texas natives. Tate and Smith prepped in nearby Carthage, while Dixon hails from the Dallas suburb of Mesquite.

Smith has been an offensive leader for the Coyotes throughout his freshman season, in the process writing his name into the Weatherford College record books. With a school record 22-game hitting streak in March and April, Smith's average soared to over .400 before settling at .397 entering play this weekend. His lofty average ranks second on the team and seventh in the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference (NTJCAC), and even tops the Weatherford College singleseason record of .393.

But Smith's impact hasn't been limited to performance at the plate. He has stolen 30 bases - in just 33 attempts - to not only lead the conference, but also set another school record. His total ranks among the national junior college leaders as well. His prowess on the basepaths has helped him score 50 runs, good for third on the team and fifth in the conference.

While Smith has made his mark at the plate, Tate has done the same on the mound. He tops the conference with a 2.79 ERA and .202 opponent's batting average, surrendering just 38 hits in 51.2 innings. Tate has posted a 4-1 record in 12 appearances, including seven starts and one complete game. In addition to leading the staff in ERA, opponent's batting average, and hits per nine innings (6.62), he also ranks among the staff leaders in innings, appearances, and starts.

That Smith and Tate have succeeded as teammates at Weatherford should come as no surprise, since the two previously starred together at Carthage High School. As sen- iors in 2007, both received all-state recognition: Tate was a first team all-state shortstop, and Smith was named to the third team in the outfield. Tate was also an all-district performer in his junior season. As sophomores, they were both members of a Carthage squad that captured the state title, when Tate was named to the all-tournament team.

Joining Smith and Tate is fellow Coyote hurler Dixon, who leads the Coyotes with 20 appearances, adding a 6.70 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 44.1 innings. A two-time all-district performer at West Mesquite High School, Dixon originally signed with Arkansas before transferring to Weatherford. Flashing a fastball in the 90's and a plus slider, he posted a 1.53 ERA and a districtleading 95 strikeouts as a senior. Dixon also proved he can help his own cause with a .417 average in his final prep season. As a junior, he struck out 66 in 54.1 innings with a 2.19 ERA.

The Pump Jacks open the season, their first, in June.