Four-Game Series, All Naturals
Published on May 17, 2012 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
The Tulsa Drillers offensive woes continued Thursday night and so did their losing streak. The Drillers were limited to only one run and were beaten 2-1 by Northwest Arkansas at ONEOK Field. The win for the Naturals allowed them to sweep the four-game series and to move within one game of the first-place Drillers in the North Division standings. The four-game losing streak for Tulsa is its longest of the year.
The Drillers produced 10 hits in the loss, but could only generate one run. In the series, they scored only 10 runs and as a team batted only .209.
As they have done in every game in the series, the Naturals scored first. Tulsa's starting pitcher was Colorado Rockies lefthander Jorge De La Rosa, who was making his second start at ONEOK Field as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Yem Prades led off the game with a double and scored on a one-out hit from Sharlon Schoop.
Tim Torres drove in the only run for the Drillers in Thursday night's game against the Naturals (Rich Crimi)
The Drillers scored their only run in the bottom of the third, and it required help from Naturals starting pitcher Noel Arguelles. Josh Rutledge led off with a base hit and moved into scoring position when Arguelles was called for a balk. The mistake allowed Rutledge to score and tie the game at
1-1 when Tim Torres lined a single into left field.
Northwest Arkansas went in front to stay with a run off reliever Cory Riordan in the top of the sixth inning. Johnny Whittleman walked and scored on a base hit by Eric Duncan.
Tulsa missed a great chance to tie the game or take the lead in the bottom of the inning. Singles by Nolan Arenado and Kiel Roling and an error loaded the bases with no outs. Mike Zuanich flied out to shallow left field, keeping the bases full. Angelys Nina followed with another fly ball to shallow left field. Arenado initially bluffed a move to home, but when left fielder Paulo Orlando's throw back to the infield went toward second base, he raced further down the line. Second baseman Schoop threw home to catcher Julio Rodriguez whose throw to third beat Arenado back to the bag to complete the inning-ending double play.
Tulsa would put runners on base in each of the final three innings, but could never generate the tying run.
De La Rosa, who lasted only one inning in his previous start, surrendered only the first-inning run in his four-inning outing. He allowed one hit in the second inning and two walks in the third. He escaped the third-inning jam with a groundball double play.
In his fourth and final inning, he set the Naturals down in order.
Overall, De La Rosa allowed the one run on three hits and three walks, while striking out four. He threw a total of 73 pitches, 43 for strikes and topped out at 92 m.p.h. on the stadium's radar gun.
"I felt like this outing was a step forward," said De La Rosa. "Last outing, I felt tightness, but today I felt much better and had more control in all my pitches."
"I got a little tired in the last inning because it has been a long time since I have thrown more than 50 pitches. I threw 92 m.p.h. a couple of times, but I think I can get stronger. It isn't easy to throw hard in the first games after surgery, but I will get my velocity sooner or later."
De La Rosa is now scheduled to pitch in Colorado Springs next Friday.
Arenado enjoyed a good offensive game in the defeat, moving his season average back above .300 with a 3-hit night that extended his hitting streak to 7 straight games.
Reliever Coty Woods also extended his scoreless innings streak to 18 straight innings with a scoreless ninth, but it did not come easily. The Naturals produced a pair of one-out singles that put runners at first and second. Woods attempted a pickoff at second, but threw wildly into centerfield. Mike Mitchell retrieved the throw and then threw wide of third. The runner, Nick Van Stratten, broke for home but Woods tracked down the ball made a diving throw to catcher Jose Gonzalez who tagged Van Stratten out.
The sweep by the Naturals was the first four-game sweep the Drillers have ever suffered at ONEOK Field. It was also their first sweep at home since Frisco swept a three-game series in June of last season.
The Drillers will now travel to Springfield for a four-game series that will begin Friday night. Parker Frazier (2-3, 2.45 ERA) will pitch the opener against Scott Gorgen (0-3, 4.46 ERA) of the Cardinals. Starting time is scheduled for 7:08PM at Hammons Field.
Texas League Stories from May 17, 2012
- Frisco Drops Finale to Midland - Frisco RoughRiders
- Four-Game Series, All Naturals - Tulsa Drillers
- Cardinals Fall One Shy in 9-8 Loss - Springfield Cardinals
- San Antonio's Seven-Run Fourth Inning Highlights Victory - San Antonio Missions
- Naturals Sweep Drillers - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Cardinals Back Home Tomorrow - Springfield Cardinals
- Game Notes, May 17 at San Antonio - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Travs Welcome Jimmy Swift to Club - Arkansas Travelers
- Naturals to Host Second Beerfest at May 25 Game - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Jedd Gyorko Promoted To Triple-A Tucson - San Antonio Missions
- Walk-Off Walk Gets Travs Back in Win Column - Arkansas Travelers
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