Drillers Drop 2nd Straight
Published on May 6, 2012 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
Sunday afternoon was a homecoming for Tulsa Drillers starting pitcher Nick Schmidt. The former University of Arkansas hurler took the mound against Northwest Arkansas at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale which is located just a few miles from the U of A campus. The homecoming proved bittersweet as Schmidt pitched effectively but suffered the loss as the Naturals rallied to defeat Tulsa 4-3.
The loss was the second straight for the Drillers who have not lost a series this season. They will now need to win the final two games of their four-game set with Northwest Arkansas to keep that streak alive.
Schmidt fell behind early in Sunday's game when Wil Myers hit his ninth home run of the year with two outs in the bottom of the first inning. Myers, one of the top prospects for the Kansas City Royals, hit only eight home runs all last season for the Naturals.
The Drillers got the run back when Tim Torres led off the second with a double and later scored on a throwing error by Naturals starting pitcher Noel Arguelles.
Another run in third put Tulsa in front. Josh Rutledge led off with a base hit, stole second base and scored on sacrifice fly from Nolan Arenado.
The Drillers increased the lead to 3-1 with another run in the top of the fifth. Jose Gonzalez drew a leadoff walk and eventually scored on a sacrifice fly ball by Angelys Nina.
Schmidt carried the two-run lead into the sixth when another homer proved to be his downfall. Consecutive singles by Myers and John Whittleman put runners at first and second for Mario Lisson. The first baseman hit a slicing liner that cleared the fence just inside the right field foul pole for his fourth home run of the season. It gave the Naturals a 4-3 lead.
The Drillers put runners on base in both the seventh and eight innings, but they could not produce a tying run. Three different Naturals pitchers combined to work a 1-2-3 ninth to close out the game.
Schmidt's record fell to 1-1 with the defeat. He allowed seven hits and the four runs in 5 2/3 innings. The lefthander struck out four and did not walk a batter.
Tulsa out-hit Northwest Arkansas 8-7 in the game with Rutledge leading the way with three singles. Arenado and Mike Mitchell had two hits each.
The Drillers will look to snap their mini losing streak Monday night in Springdale as Joe Gardner (1-0, 4.84 ERA) will pitch against Justin Marks (1-1, 5.32 ERA) of Northwest Arkansas. First pitch is slated for 7:00PM.
Texas League Stories from May 6, 2012
- Early Hole Too Big for Travs - Arkansas Travelers
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- Cardinals Hold on to 10-7 Win over Arkansas - Springfield Cardinals
- Drillers Drop 2nd Straight - Tulsa Drillers
- Naturals Edge Drillers - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Game Notes, May 6 vs. San Antonio - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Naturals Edge Drillers - Tulsa Drillers
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