Tough Day for Drillers
Published on August 26, 2007 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
Entering Sunday afternoon's doubleheader at Lawernce-Dumont Stadium, the Tulsa Drillers carried an impressive 16-6 record against the Wichita Wranglers this season. The Wranglers, however, extracted some revenge by outscoring the Drillers 19-3 in the two games to sweep the doubleheader. Wichita won the first game 11-2, and completed the sweep with an 8-1 win in game two.
Despite the two losses, there was some positive news for the Drillers. Springfield beat Arkansas 16-0 Sunday night to move 1 ½ games in front of the Travelers in the North Division standings. If the Cardinals win the second-half title, a wild card playoff spot will go to the North Division team with the best overall record in the two halves. The Drillers currently hold a two-game lead over the Travs for that possible spot.
In their game one loss, the Drillers surrendered a season high 19 hits to the Wranglers. With a depleted bullpen, starting pitcher Ryan Mattheus absorbed all of the damage. Mattheus allowed all 11 runs on 17 hits in 5 1/3 innings pitched.
Wichita scored in every inning but the first. The Drillers actually took a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Corey Wimberly singled home the first run, while Jonathan Herrera plated the second with a sacrifice fly.
The Wranglers answered with 11 straight runs. Eight of Wichita's starters had at least two hits, led by Onil Joseph who finished a perfect 4-4. Jeff Nettles and Damaso Espino each collected three runs batted in.
In Sunday's second game, the Drillers again took an early lead. With two outs in the top of the first inning, Christian Colonel doubled for the 46th time this season, then scored on a base hit by Aaron Rifkin.
Tulsa pitcher Judd Songster made the first start of his professional career and carried a shutout into the third inning when Wichita loaded the bases with a pair of singles and a hit batter. Two walks forced in a run and ended Songster's day. With two outs, Jentry Beckstead relieved and allowed a two-run double to Kila Kaaihue that put the Wranglers in front 4-1.
Wichita scored four more times in the fifth, the big blow a three-run double by Kaaihue.
Tulsa was limited to only five hits in the game as David Bernat (1-0) picked up his first Double A win with three scoreless relief innings.
The Drillers will play their final game ever in Wichita in Monday's series finale. It will also be the final game in Wichita for the Wranglers who are moving to Northwest Arkansas next season.
Ching-Lung Lo (6-8, 5.87 ERA) will start the game for Tulsa against Jorge De La Rosa for Wichita. De La Rosa has been in the starting rotation for the Kansas City Royals for most of the season, but is making an injury rehabilitation start for the Wranglers. He is 8-11 with the Royals this season and had won four of his past six decisions before going on the disabled list. His last win came on July 26 as he shutout the New York Yankees for 5 1/3 innings. First pitch for the finale is scheduled for 7:05PM.
Texas League Stories from August 26, 2007
- RoughRiders shut out Rockhounds 6-0 - Frisco RoughRiders
- Cards Hammer Travs 16-0 - Springfield Cardinals
- Tough Day for Drillers - Tulsa Drillers
- Cards Split DH - Springfield Cardinals
- Travs Still Half Game Back After Split With Cards - Arkansas Travelers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
