Drillers Unable to Complete Sweep in Series Finale
April 20, 2016 - Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
Tulsa Drillers Shortstop Drew Maggi Fires to First Base
(Tulsa Drillers, Credit: Rich Crimi)
Coming off their doubleheader sweep on Monday, the Drillers came into Tuesday night's homestand finale looking to complete their first series sweep of the season. But the San Antonio Missions had other plans as they scored six runs over the sixth and seventh innings to come from behind and defeat the Drillers 8-3.
The loss negated a solid effort by Tulsa starter Chris Anderson who came into the game looking to turn things around after a tough start at ONEOK Field his last time out.
Anderson gave up two runs in the top of the first inning on a double, a triple and an RBI groundout but buckled down after that, limiting the Missions to just a single hit over the next four innings. The right-hander finished the night having thrown five innings, allowing just the two runs, while picking up six strikeouts.
Meanwhile, Tulsa's offense was alive and well early as the Drillers scored a run in the bottom of the first inning and two more runs in the second inning. Anderson even helped his own cause at the plate in the second inning with a perfectly placed safety squeeze to score Brandon Trinkwon from third, putting the Drillers in front 3-2.
San Antonio threatened in the third inning after putting two runners on base with one out thanks to two walks. But Anderson and catcher Tyler Ogle extinguished the threat with an unconventional double play, striking out Yeison Ascensio and throwing out Auston Bousfield as he attempted to steal third to end the frame.
It was also the first double play turned by the Drillers on defense in 2016 after going eleven games without turning one to begin the year.
Things went downhill however, once Anderson exited the game and the Tulsa bullpen came on in the top of the sixth inning.
Facing relievers Seth Frankoff and Dustin Richardson, San Antonio scored twice in the sixth on two singles, two walks and a wild pitch to take a 4-3 lead.
The Missions extended their advantage in the seventh inning on an RBI single by Nick Torres and a three-run blast by Diego Goris that put the game out of reach.
After San Antonio starter Bryan Rodriguez exited the game after five innings, former Driller Ramon Benjamin came on and threw three shutout innings against his old club, removing any hope for a comeback for Tulsa.
Rafael De Paula finished off the game for the Missions with a scoreless ninth inning to secure the 8-3 victory for the visiting club.
Rodriguez was credited with the win, while Benjamin earned his first hold of the year. Frankoff took the loss for Tulsa after allowing two runs over 0.2 innings.
With the loss, the Drillers finished their opening homestand with a 2-4 record.
Following an off day Wednesday, the Drillers will travel to Northwest Arkansas where they will take on the Naturals Thursday night for the start of a four-game series. Slated to start for Tulsa will be RHP Felipe Gonzalez (0-1, 9.00 ERA.) On the other side of the diamond, RHP Christian Binford (0-2, 13.00 ERA) has been listed as the probable starter for the home club. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05PM.
Images from this story
 Tulsa Drillers Shortstop Drew Maggi Fires to First Base (Rich Crimi) |
Texas League Stories from April 20, 2016
- Missions Snap Losing Streak against Drillers - San Antonio Missions
- Homestand Highlights: April 21 - April 24 - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Drillers Unable to Complete Sweep in Series Finale - Tulsa Drillers
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