Drillers week in review, week 8

The Tulsa Drillers suffered through a rough week, going 2-4 as they finished up a short home series with the Springfield Cardinals and then made a six game swing through Texas. After winning the previous three games of a four game series with Springfield, Tulsa lost the final game at home. A short three game series at Midland produced a 1-2 finish before they visited Frisco where they came out with a similar 1-2 record.

The Drillers now return home for a six game homestand that starts tomorrow.  

LOOKING BACK

Tuesday: Springfield snapped a three game winning streak by the Drillers as Owasso product Pete Kozma went two for four with a double and two RBI’s as the Cardinals cruised to a 5-1 win. Kozma’s second inning RBI single put Springfield up 1-0 before Daniel Mayora drove in Scott Beerer to tie the game in the bottom of the fourth. Kozma struck again in the sixth, belting a two-out double to drive in Steven Hill from third.

Springfield went on to score three insurance runs in the top of the ninth inning to put the game out of reach. Despite picking up the loss, Tulsa starter Cory Riordan had a solid day, as he struck out five while allowing five hits and two runs through six innings. Ryan Kulik got the win for the Cardinals after allowing just four hits and one run while striking out four through five innings of work.

Wednesday: The Drillers got off to a good start in their first game of the season against the Midland Rockhounds. Beerer drove in Anthony Jackson on a sacrifice in the top of the first to take a 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, Midland answered quickly in the bottom half of the inning, scoring two runs to take the lead.

Midland added another run in the second inning, before allowing Tulsa just one more run in the fifth. Rockhounds starter Anthony Capra picked up the win as he scattered the two runs on four hits while striking out four through five innings.

Thursday: The Drillers picked up a 5-2 win over the Rockhounds in an extra inning affair. Tulsa starter Bruce Billings had a solid five inning outing, allowing no runs on just two hits while striking out five. Midland Starter Travis Banwart was equally impressive, striking out eight while allowing four hits and two runs through seven innings of work.

Banwart surrendered the two runs in the top of the seventh inning as Tulsa claimed a 2-1 lead. Midland tied the game in the bottom half of the inning when Matthew Sulentic drove in Archie Gilbert from third. Six scoreless innings later, the Drillers finally put three runs on the board in the top of the 14th inning to secure the win.

Friday: Keith Weiser lasted seven innings for the Drillers, as he allowed six hits and one run while striking out four. Unfortunately for Tulsa, the 2-1 lead that they held when Weiser left the game would not hold. Midland would take advantage of a two-out ninth inning rally to claim the win.

With two outs, and a runner on base, reliever Al Alburquerque walked two batters to load the bases. J.C. Holt then doubled to left field to drive in Matthew Whitney and Sulentic to give the Rockhounds a 3-2 win.

Saturday: Tulsa suffered a late game heartbreak for the second night in a row when a base hit by Marcus Lemon in the bottom of the 11th inning gave the Frisco Roughriders a 4-3 win. Riordan allowed two runs while striking out four through six innings. A two RBI hit from Bronson Sardinha gave Tulsa a 2-0 lead in the third inning.

Frisco battled back, scoring one run each in the bottom of the third and fourth innings to tie the game. Tulsa would again take the lead in the top of the sixth on a Beerer single that scored Mayora. However, Frisco tied the game in the bottom of the seventh and Lemon’s extra inning RBI would give the Roughriders a 4-3 win.

Sunday: The Drillers got off to an early start and never looked back as they went on to beat the Roughriders 9-2 and snap their five game winning streak. Jackson led the game off with a triple and would score when Eider Torres hit into a fielder's choice. Sardinha later singled to drive in Beerer and give Tulsa a 2-0 lead. Ryan Harvey added to the lead on a third inning homer, his sixth of the season.

Wilin Rosario belted his fifth homerun of the season in the top of the eighth, scoring Mayora from second. Brandon Durden picked up his second win, as he scattered six hits and allowed two runs through six innings. 

THE WEEK AHEAD

The Drillers return home tomorrow to open a six game homestand, with three games against Midland and three with Frisco.

STANDINGS

Texas League North: Northwest Arkansas (29-20), Springfield (27-23), Tulsa (20-29), Arkansas (19-29).

Texas League South: Frisco (30-20), Corpus Christi (25-25), Midland (24-26), San Antonio (24-26).

BATTING LEADERS (Minimum of 30 at bats)

Average: Eider Torres (.278) Hits: Anthony Jackson (42), Scott Beerer (42) Doubles: Daniel Mayora (13) Triples: Anthony Jackson (3), Daniel Mayora (3) Homeruns: Ryan Harvey (7) RBI: Ryan Harvey (25).

PITCHING LEADERS (Minimum of 10 innings pitched)

Wins: Bruce Billings (3), Sean Jarrett (3), Andy Graham (3) ERA: Scott Rice (1.15) Saves: Craig Baker (5) Strikeouts: Cory Riordan (38).

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

Wednesday, June 2: Remember Whensday / Yadda Yadda Yadda Night (A look back at Seinfeld) presented by Z104.5 the EDGE. Thursday, June 3: Thirsty Thursday / Clunker Car Night presented by 106.9 KHITS. Friday, June 4: Fireworks Friday / FRITOS Family Friday presented by US Cellular and FRITOS. Saturday, June 5: King of Pop Night / The Amazing Christopher Appearance. Sunday, June 6: TTCU Family FUNday Sunday / Paint Your Own Hornsby Giveaway / Kids Eat Free presented by TTCU The Credit Union and K95.5 FM.

Tickets are available for all upcoming Drillers games  are available at the ONEOK Field box office, by calling 744-5901 or online at Tulsa drillers.com.