Drillers Sweep Travelers
Published on July 18, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
The Tulsa Drillers swept a doubleheader from Arkansas Saturday night, blanking the Travelers 3-0 in the first game and defeating them 5-1 in the nightcap. The sweep increased the Drillers winning streak to three straight and improved their second-half record to 11-9. Their season record now stands at 49-41, marking the first time this season that the Drillers have been eight games over .500.
Saturday's first game featured a marquee pitching match-up as Tulsa's Samuel Deduno squared off against Arkansas' Trevor Reckling. Prior to the game, Reckling led all active Texas League pitchers with a 2.56 ERA, while Deduno was second in the league with a 2.65 ERA.
When the game was over, it was Deduno who was atop the list. The right-hander was dominating, allowing only three singles in the seven-inning, complete game performance.
The Drillers gave him an early cushion with a run in the top of the first inning. Anthony Jackson led off the game with a single and then scored on a two-out double by Daniel Mayora.
Tulsa added its final two runs in the second as Cole Garner singled with one out, and Ryan Harvey followed with a long home run that hit high off the scoreboard in left-center field. It was Harvey's team leading 12th homer of the year.
The win for Deduno improved his record to 8-2, while the shutout performance lowered his ERA to 2.41. The shutout was the 13th of the season for the Drillers' staff, tops in the TL and five games better than second-place Corpus Christi.
In game two, the Drillers again claimed an early lead with a four-run first inning. A walk to Darin Holcomb and singles by Jeff Kindel and Michael Paulk loaded the bases. Mayora made it 1-0 with a base hit, and Garner made it a three-run lead with the fourth straight hit of the inning. The fourth run came when Mayora stole home as part of a double steal with Garner.
The lead increased to 5-0 in the second as Jackson singled and scored on a base hit by Holcomb.
The Travelers lone run of the night came in the bottom of the second as Ryan Mount doubled and scored on a ground out by Jeremy Moore.
Andy Graham started and went the first three innings for Tulsa. Tommy Baumgardner, Edgmer Esaclona and Matt Reynolds followed Graham to the mound and combined to work four shutout innings. Escalona (1-1) was credited with the victory.
Holcomb's 10-game hitting streak came to an end with a 0-4 effort in the first game. During his streak, the third baseman raised his season average 31 points.
Tulsa will look to complete a four-game sweep of Arkansas Sunday evening at Dickey-Stephens Park. Chaz Roe (3-2, 2.85 ERA) will pitch the finale for the Drillers, while Michael Anton (2-6, 4.62 ERA) will work for the Travelers. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10PM.
Texas League Stories from July 18, 2009
- Arkansas Loses Sixth Straight in Doubleheader Sweep - Arkansas Travelers
- RoughRiders Rally in Seventh - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Drillers Sweep Travelers - Tulsa Drillers
- Naturals End Cards' Winning Streak - Springfield Cardinals
- Drillers Shut Out Travs for Second Straight Game - Arkansas Travelers
- Padres Select Missions RHP Mat Latos; Designate RHP Josh Banks - San Antonio Missions
- Godfrey Too Good - San Antonio Missions
- Kiniry to DL; Moore called up from Single-A - Arkansas Travelers
- Missions Game Notes for July 18 - San Antonio Missions
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