Miscues Cost Drillers In Opener
Published on April 9, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
It was a tough start to the season for the Tulsa Drillers Thursday night. Tulsa had almost as many errors (4) as hits (6) and dropped a 9-3 decision to the Corpus Christi Hooks at Whataburger Field.
The loss spoiled the Double A debut of Drillers starting pitcher Jhoulys Chacin. The 21-year-old Chacin, who led the minors with 18 wins last season, pitched well but was tagged for the loss thanks to two unearned runs. The right-hander surrendered only three hits and one earned run in 5 2/3 innings.
The Hooks took advantage of Tulsa's first miscue to open the scoring in the bottom of the second inning. Mitch Einertson reached on a throwing error by shortstop Chris Nelson, then scored on a two-out double by Josh Flores.
The Drillers tied the game in the top of the fourth when Nelson walked and eventually scored on a base hit by Darin Holcomb.
The Hooks broke the game open in the middle innings by scoring in four straight innings. They broke the tie when Flores walked to leadoff the fifth, and after stealing second base, he scored on a single by pinch-hitter James Van Ostrand.
In the sixth, the Hooks had runners at first and second with two outs. The inning appeared to be over when Wladimir Sutil hit a roller back to the mound. Relief pitcher Andy Graham fielded the grounder, but he threw wildly into right field, allowing former Driller Brian Esposito to score to make it 3-1.
Corpus Christi buried any hopes of a Tulsa comeback with a five-run seventh. Einertson had a two-run double, and Esposito produced a two-run homer off reliever Jonathan George.
A solo homer in the eighth by Collin DeLome closed the scoring for the Hooks.
The offensive highlight for the Drillers came in the final inning when Ryan Harvey belted a two-out, two-run homer.
Corpus Christi starting pitcher Sergio Perez picked up the win by allowing only one run and one hit in five innings.
Overall, the Drillers offense was limited to six hits, with no Tulsa player collecting more than one hit.
The two teams will continue their season-opening series Friday night in Corpus Christi. Samuel Deduno, who missed all last season because of injury, will make the start for the Drillers. The Hooks will counter with Polin Trinidad.
Starting time at Whataburger Field is scheduled for 7:05PM.
Texas League Stories from April 9, 2009
- O'Sullivan & Bourjos Lead In 6-1 Opening Day Win - Arkansas Travelers
- Miscues Cost Drillers In Opener - Tulsa Drillers
- Errors befell Naturals in season opener - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Former Travelers 3B Smith joins Naturals - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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