Drillers fall in 10
Published on August 20, 2005 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
The Tulsa Drillers were involved in another tightly contested pitcher's dual Saturday night in San Antonio. But in the end, it was San Antonio that got the timely hit to decide the game as Jaime Bubela's run-scoring single in the bottom of the 10th inning gave the Missions a 2-1 victory.
The two teams combined for only nine hits in the game. Tulsa starting pitcher Sandy Nin turned in another strong outing, allowing only four hits and one run in seven innings pitched.
The Drillers were within one pitch of a likely 1-0 victory. Nin made only one mistake in the game and it tied the score at 1-1 for the Missions when Nathan Espy led off the seventh inning with his 13th home run of the year. Wolff Stadium in San Antonio is known as a pitcher's park, and off the bat, Espy's drive looked as if it would stay in the stadium. But, the fly ball carried far enough to just clear the wall in center field.
Tulsa had taken a 1-0 lead with a run in the top of the sixth when Tony Miller walked and moved to second on a sacrifice by Doug Bernier. Jud Thigpen brought Miller home with a double to left.
The Drillers had a great chance to add to their lead in the top of the seventh when Luis Guance led off with a single and Tino Sanchez followed with a double. But, with runners at second and third and no outs, Jordan Czarniecki, Hector Tena and Miller all failed to bring in another run.
After Bubela's homer made it 1-1 in the bottom of the seventh, the game remained tied until the bottom of the tenth. Ramon Ramirez relieved Judd Songster, who threw two shutout innings in relief of Nin, to begin the tenth and walked leadoff hitter Jesus Guzman. After Jon Nelson forced Guzman at second on a failed sacrifice, Ramirez put runners at first and second with another walk. Ismael Castro then flew out for the second out of the inning, but Bubela ended the game with his clutch, 2-out base-hit.
Five of Tulsa' past six games have now been decided by one run. After winning the first three, the Drillers have now dropped two straight one-run games.
The loss was a missed opportunity for the Drillers. They could have gained valuable ground in the East Division standings as every other team in the East also lost Saturday night.
Tulsa and San Antonio will play the final game in their 4-game series Sunday night. Jon Asahina (12-8, 3.82 ERA) will take the mound for the Drillers, with starting time set for 6:05PM.
Texas League Stories from August 20, 2005
- Travs Blasts Fuel 12-7 Comeback Over Frisco - Arkansas Travelers
- Early scores lead to 7-2 victory - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Drillers fall in 10 - Tulsa Drillers
- Cards Hammered by Hounds, Return to Hammons Tuesday - Springfield Cardinals
- David Matranga Joins Travs - Arkansas Travelers
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