Drillers Win Again, Take Over First
June 19, 2009 - Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
The Tulsa Drillers now control their own destiny in their pursuit of a first-half title and a spot in the Texas League playoffs. The Drillers moved into sole possession of first-place in the North Division standings Friday night with a 1-0 win over the Arkansas Travelers at Dickey Stephens Park. The win, combined with Springfield's 9-5 loss to Northwest Arkansas, gives the Drillers a one game lead over both the Cardinals and the Naturals with only four games remaining the first-half schedule.
Eight days ago, the Drillers were trailing the Cardinals by five games and seemed near elimination in the first-half race, but their shutout win was their seventh victory in their past eight games. In contrast, Springfield has lost seven of its past eight games.
Friday's victory was the ninth shutout of the year for Tulsa pitchers and their third in the past seven games.
Chaz Roe, returning from a strained oblique injury and making his first appearance since May 7, was impressive in his return to the mound. The right-hander allowed only three hits in five innings. He did not walk a batter while striking out four. The win improved his record to 2-0.
The bullpen was just as impressive. Xavier Cedeno followed Roe and pitched 1 1/3 innings, while Austin Chambliss did not allow a hit in 1 2/3 innings.
Andrew Johnston flirted with danger but was able to work a scoreless ninth to pick up his 20th save of the season. After retiring the leadoff hitter, Johnston surrendered a one-out double to Hainley Statia. He struck out Hank Conger, but walked Val Majewski to put the winning run on base. He avoided disaster when he retired Mark Trumbo on a soft pop up to third to end the game.
The only run of the game scored in the top of the third inning without the benefit of a hit. Arkansas starting pitcher Tommy Mendoza walked Mike McKenry and Darin Holcomb to start the inning. After retiring Anthony Jackson, Mendoza uncorked a wild pitch that moved the runners to second and third. Danny Sandoval then accounted for the only run with a sacrifice fly that scored McKenry.
Each team finished with six hits in the game. Jackson and Daniel Mayora had two hits apiece for the Drillers. Mayora now has six hits in his past nine at-bats.
The Drillers and Travelers will play game three of their four-game series Saturday night at 7:10PM in North Little Rock. Brandon Durden (1-2, 4.71 ERA) will pitch for Tulsa against Tim Kiely (1-0, 2.00 ERA) of Arkansas.
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Texas League Stories from June 19, 2009
- Drillers Take Division Lead with 1-0 Win - Arkansas Travelers
- Cards Slip to Second Place with 9-5 Loss - Springfield Cardinals
- Drillers Win Again, Take Over First - Tulsa Drillers
- Missions Add RHP Carlos Guevara - San Antonio Missions
- Whataburger Field Top Minor League Sports Venue in North America - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Vance Wilson activated on Naturals Roster - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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