Big First Inning Not Enough for Drillers
May 11, 2018 - Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
After coming off of a big offensive night a game ago, the Tulsa Drillers looked as if they were going to keep the hot bats going Friday night. But, after scoring three quick runs in the first inning, the bats were unable to plate another run in a 7-3 defeat against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.
The Drillers quickly took the lead in the big first inning. Errol Robinson started the game by reaching on an error and Yusniel Diaz singled to put runners at the corners. Connor Joe stayed hot by just missing a homer to left as he doubled off the top of the wall to get the first run home. Luke Raley then plated another run with an RBI groundout, and then Keibert Ruiz followed him up with an RBI single to put Tulsa on top 3-0.
The early lead did not last long. In the bottom of the first, the Naturals strung together four straight singles off of Drillers starter Frank Duncan to score a pair. An inning later, a single, double, triple and another single brought home three more Northwest Arkansas runs to put the Naturals on top 5-3.
Andrew Istler replaced Duncan with one out in the second inning and was very strong out of the bullpen for the Drillers. The righty did not allow a baserunner in 3.2 innings of work.
On the other side of the ball, Naturals starter Zach Lovvorn settled down after his rocky first inning. The Drillers put men on second in both the second and third innings, but Lovvorn was able end the attempted rallies.
The Naturals entered the game with 45 stolen bases as a team, and in the top of the sixth they utilized their team's strength. Nolan Long replaced Istler and allowed a leadoff walk to Brandon Downes. Downes then swiped second and third. Long allowed another free-pass to Jecksson Flores who promptly stole second. Donnie Dewees got the only hit of the inning to plate two more Naturals runs.
The Drillers put runners in scoring position in four of the final eight innings but were unable to bring any of them home as the Naturals claimed the 7-3 victory.
WHAT YOU MISSED
*Keiber Ruiz notched his second double of the season on Friday, both coming in consecutive games.
*Diaz had two hits including a triple, and has hit safely in five of his last six games.
*Istler made his Drillers debut on May 7 and had a rough relief appearance against Springfield. The righty dominated on Friday as he retired all eight Naturals he faced. Istler has been in the Dodgers organization since 2015.
*Justin Hoyt made his Drillers debut on Friday. The southpaw had a perfect inning out of the pen. He was drafted by the Dodgers just last season.
UP NEXT
The Drillers will face the Naturals in game three of the four-game series on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM, with the probable starters being:
TUL Mitchell White (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
NWA Scott Blewett (1-3, 4.40 ERA)
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Texas League Stories from May 11, 2018
- Early Fireworks as Naturals Defeat Drillers - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Big First Inning Not Enough for Drillers - Tulsa Drillers
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- Drillers Back Home for a Big 8-Game Home Stand Starting May 14 - Tulsa Drillers
- Travs Walk off in Wild Opener against Cards, 9-6 - Springfield Cardinals
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- Chanclas Take Opener to Extend Win Streak - San Antonio Missions
- Mejias-Brean Blasts Walk-Off Homer - Arkansas Travelers
- Dominant Ferguson Backed by Drillers Bats in Big Win - Tulsa Drillers
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