Missed Chances Costly for Drillers in Shutout Loss
May 11, 2015 - Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
It was a case of missed opportunities Monday afternoon for the Tulsa Drillers. In the second game of a four-game series with Springfield, the Drillers stranded 12 runners on base and were shut out for the fifth time this season as the Cardinals posted a 1-0 victory before over 8,200 at ONEOK Field.
It was the second straight one-run loss for the Drillers, and they have scored a total of only two runs in the pair of defeats. In the six games of the current homestand, they have averaged 2.5 runs per game.
The lone run in Monday's game came in the top of the fifth inning. With one out, Nick Martini doubled and moved to third on a base hit by Jonathan Rodriguez. Tulsa starter Chris Anderson retired David Washington on strikes to get within one out of escaping the jam, but Anthony Garcia delivered a two-out hit that scored Martini to give the Cardinals the only run they needed.
The Drillers stranded two runners on base in each of the first two innings, but their best chance to score came in the fourth when they opened the inning with consecutive doubles. Jarek Cunningham led off with a lined double down the left field line, and Luis Mateo followed with a soft fly into shallow right field that caromed out of the glove of second baseman Breyvic Valera who attempted a diving catch. Cunningham had to hold to ensure Valera did not make the catch and was only able to advance to third on the hit. Travis Witherspoon popped out before the Cards intentionally walked Ali Solis to load the bases. Pitcher Anderson struck out and Brandon Dixon flied out to end the threat.
Tulsa threatened again in the bottom of the eighth as Cunningham singled with two outs and Mateo and Witherspoon drew consecutive walks to load the bases. That threat ended when Daniel Mayora grounded into a force out.
Anderson was charged with his fourth straight loss after opening the year 3-0. The right-hander worked five innings surrendering five hits and five walks while picking up five strikeouts.
The Tulsa bullpen allowed only one hit in four shutout relief innings.
Springfield starter Nick Petree worked six innings to pick up his first win of the season.
The Drillers will close out their long homestand Tuesday afternoon at ONEOK Field. The Happy Hour game will have a special starting time of 4:05PM. The pitching matchup will feature Julio Urias (1-2, 2.48 ERA) for Tulsa against Mike Mayers (1-3, 5.97 ERA) of Springfield.
Texas League Stories from May 11, 2015
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- Lee Named Texas League Pitcher of the Week - Springfield Cardinals
- Missed Chances Costly for Drillers in Shutout Loss - Tulsa Drillers
- Petree and Cards Shut out Drillers, 1-0 - Springfield Cardinals
- Hooks Edge Missions, 2-1 - San Antonio Missions
- Cardinals Defeat Drillers 3-2 on Mother's Day - Tulsa Drillers
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