Drillers Strike Early for 3rd Straight Win
May 15, 2021 - Texas League (TL)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
SPRINGDALE, AR- The Tulsa Drillers produced runs in only one inning Saturday night in Northwest Arkansas, but it was enough to gain a victory at Arvest Ballpark. The Drillers scored four times in the top of the first inning, then held on for a 4-3 victory over the Naturals, running Tulsa's winning streak to a season high three straight games.
The Drillers were able to take advantage of the early struggles from Naturals starting pitcher Steven Woods Jr. After two walks to start the game, Donovan Casey singled up the middle bringing in the game's first run. With the bases loaded, Jeren Kendall brought in the second on a fielder's choice ground out. Devin Mann added two more runs with a double off the wall, giving the Drillers the early 4-0 lead.
Th Naturals cut the lead in half in the second inning. The first run came on a solo home run by MJ Melendez, and the second scored on a bases-loaded force out.
The score remained 4-2 until the bottom of the eighth. Nick Pratto drew a leadoff walk from Tulsa relieer Bryan Warzek. After Pratto swiped second, Dennicher Carrasco brought Pratto home with a two-out base hit off Mark Washington, who had relieved Warzek.
Trailing by just a run, the Naturals made things interesting in the bottom of the ninth when Rudy Martin doubled with one out. Washington retired Bobby Witt Jr. on a fly out before walking Travis Jones. With the tying and winning runs on base, Washington ended the game when he got Pratto to pop out for the final out.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
*Casey and Carlos Rincon both extended their hitting streaks to nine straight games. Casey finished 2-5, raising his average to .318. Rincon was 1-3, upping his season average to .294.
*Tulsa starting pitcher Gerardo Carrillo lasted only 1.2 innings, surrendering two runs on three hits and two walks.
*Justin Hagenman and Aaron Ochsenbein were outstanding in relief. Both relievers allowed just one hit, with Hagenman working 2.1 scoreless innings and Ochsenbein 2.2 shutout frames.
*The save for Washington was his first of the year.
*Kansas City Royals shortstop Adalberto Mondesi played in his third game with the Naturals on an injury rehabilitation assignment. Mondesi finished 2-3.
UP NEXT
Tulsa at Northwest Arkansas, Sunday, May 16, 2:05 PM at Arvest Ballpark. Tulsa TBA versus Naturals RHP Jonathan Heasley (0-2, 2.00 ERA).
Texas League Stories from May 15, 2021
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- Early Long Balls Sink Hooks - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Drillers Strike Early for 3rd Straight Win - Tulsa Drillers
- Naturals Drop Third Straight Despite Good Pitching and Hard Contact - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Amarillo Arms and Bats Shine in Shutout Win - Amarillo Sod Poodles
- Missions End Four Game Losing Skid with 6-2 Win - San Antonio Missions
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- A Winning FOUR-Mula - Midland RockHounds
- CC Stands Tall in Extras - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Corpus Rallies, Topples Riders in Extras - Frisco RoughRiders
- Drillers Win Pitching Battle to Secure Victory - Tulsa Drillers
- Travs Win 4th in a Row - Arkansas Travelers
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