Drillers Win Game, May Lose Chacin
July 22, 2009 - Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
In a game that featured two of the best pitchers in the Texas League, it was the Tulsa Drillers bullpen that stole the show in a 1-0 win Wednesday night at Drillers Stadium. Tulsa starter Jhoulys Chacin left the game after the first inning, but the Tulsa bullpen stepped up and threw eight scoreless innings while giving up only two hits.
After the game, Colorado Rockies officials announced that Chacin was removed as a precaution for possible, future organizational moves. Prior to the season, Chacin was rated the top pitching prospect in the Rockies' organization by Baseball America.
Wednesday's only run came in the bottom of the seventh inning when Rex Rundgren led off with a single to right field and advanced to second on a fielding error by right fielder Tyler Henley. Anthony Jackson followed with a double down the left field line that plated Rundgren and gave Tulsa a 1-0 lead.
The Drillers used a barrage of relievers to get their Texas League leading 14th shutout of the season. Andy Graham took over for Chacin and threw three scoreless relief innings, giving up one hit and striking out three. Adam Bright followed with two scoreless innings, giving up only one hit. Matt Reynolds entered the game in the seventh and threw two perfect innings, while recording two strikeouts.
Edgmer Escalona closed out the game in the ninth to pick up his fourth save of the season.
The Cardinals had opportunities to score, but couldn't take advantage of the scoring situations. In the fourth, the Cardinals loaded the bases with one out, but Graham struck out the next two batters to end the inning. In the sixth, Springfield had runners at first and third with two outs, but couldn't plate a run.
Lance Lynn (9-3) took the loss despite working seven strong innings, giving up only the one run on five hits. He also recorded seven strikeouts.
The victory was the third straight for Tulsa and its sixth in the past seven games.
The Drillers will look to complete a four-game sweep of the Cardinals Thursday night. Samuel Deduno (8-2, 2.41 ERA) will start for Tulsa against Springfield's Trey Hearne (10-2, 2.89 ERA). First pitch is schedule for 7:05 PM at Drillers Stadium.
NOTES: The Drillers placed Keith Weiser on the temporarily inactive list and reliever Jonathan George was activated from the disabled list before the start of Wednesday's game . . .
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