Four-Run Inning Ignites Drillers to Win

July 26, 2018 - Texas League (TL1)
Arkansas Travelers News Release

North Little Rock, AR-A four-run fourth inning carried the day for the Tulsa Drillers in a 4-2 win over the Arkansas Travelers in front of 7,700 on Thursday night at Dickey-Stephens Park. The four runs came off of starter Nathan Bannister who surrendered four of his six hits in that inning and also walked a batter. Outside of that inning, Bannister, who totaled 4.2 innings, and the bullpen of Trevor Frank, Bryan Bonnell and Matt Festa were unblemished. Joey Curletta reached base in all four of his plate appearances on the night to pace the offense which was held to only three total hits. Tulsa starter Tony Gonsolin matched a career bests with seven innings and 11 strikeouts while picking up the win.

Moments That Mattered

* Curletta blasted his 21st homer to lead off the second inning and move back into a tie for the league lead.

* Twice late, the Travs had the tying runs on base in an inning with none out. In the seventh, two strikeouts by Gonsolin around a fielder's choice groundout ended the threat. Then in the ninth, Stetson Allie erased two walks with a pair of strikeouts and Jacob Scavuzzo ran down a liner to left for the final out.

Notable Travs Performances

* 1B Joey Curletta: 2-2, 2 runs, 2 BB, HR, RBI

* DH Dario Pizzano: 1-3, BB, 2B, RBI

* Trevor Frank: 2.1 IP, H, 4 K

* Matt Festa: IP, H, 3 K

Up Next

Game two of the series is Friday night at 7:10. RH Ashton Goudeau (0-1, 2.70) takes the mound against RH Mitchell White (2-5, 5.37) with fireworks afterwards. The game will also be broadcast on the Sports Animal 920, the First Pitch App, TuneIn radio and milb.tv.

Texas League Stories from July 26, 2018

• Four-Run Inning Ignites Drillers to Win - Arkansas Travelers
• Chanclas Drop Close One in Series Opener - San Antonio Missions
• Naturals Stay Hot and Take Opener at Springfield - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
• Riders Take Seesaw Afair from San Antonio - Frisco RoughRiders
• Gonsolin, Drillers Top Travelers - Tulsa Drillers
• Hooks to Honor Sinton High School's 1988-89 State Baseball Title Teams - Corpus Christi Hooks
• Hounds Rally to Beat Frisco in Extras - Midland RockHounds
• Cardinals Sweep Drillers to Close Trip on 5-Game Winning Streak - Springfield Cardinals
• Paddack Pens Gem, SA Outduels CC - Corpus Christi Hooks
• Cards Sweep Drillers with Extra-Innings Win - Tulsa Drillers

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