Durden, Drillers Blank Cards 1-0
Published on August 8, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
In the midst of a three-game losing streak, the Tulsa Drillers were very much in need of a victory Saturday night in Springfield. Pitcher Brandon Durden made sure they got it.
The lefthander threw 7 1/3 scoreless innings before getting relief help from Edgmer Escalona and Andrew Johnston as the Drillers blanked the Cardinals 1-0 at Hammons Field to snap their skid.
Durden held Springfield to only six singles and did not walk a batter. The victory improved his record to 6-2 and continued a dominating run. Since returning from Class A Modesto on July 13, he is now 5-0 in six starts with a 1.79 ERA in 40.1 innings pitched.
Carrying a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh, Durden allowed a leadoff single to Pete Kozma. After a sacrifice bunt moved Kozma to second, Tulsa manager Ron Gideon called on Escalona from the bullpen. The right-hander retired Aaron Luna on a foul pop up for the second out of the inning before walking Tyler Henley. Escalona escaped the jam when he enticed James Rapoport to hit a grounder back to the mound for the third out.
Johnston came on for the final inning and worked a 1-2-3 ninth with two strikeouts. It was his 28th save in 30 opportunities this season.
For the Drillers' pitching staff, it was their Texas League leading 15th shutout of the year.
The only run of the game came in the top of the seventh inning. Cole Garner led off with a single against Springfield starter Nick Additon. After Mike McKenry flied out, Ryan Harvey belted a drive off the base of the center field wall. The double brought Garner home from first to give Tulsa the 1-0 lead.
The single for Garner extended his hitting streak to 12 straight games, the longest for a Drillers' player this season.
The 1-0 contest took only 2:09 to complete, the shortest nine-inning game of the season for the Drillers.
Tulsa and Springfield will play game three of their four-game series Sunday night at 6:10PM. Chaz Roe (5-2, 3.15 ERA) will pitch for the Drillers against Brandon Dickson (7-7, 3.38 ERA) of the Cardinals.
Texas League Stories from August 8, 2009
- Reckling, Travs Throw Another One-Hitter - Arkansas Travelers
- RockHounds Double Hooks - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Kirkman, 'Riders Squeak by Missions - Frisco RoughRiders
- Durden, Drillers Blank Cards 1-0 - Tulsa Drillers
- Cards Blanked 1-0 on Saturday - Springfield Cardinals
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
