TL1 Tulsa Drillers

Missions Top Drillers 5-1

Published on April 6, 2012 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release


One night after scoring four first-inning runs, the Tulsa Drillers could only muster one run in nine innings Friday night against four different San Antonio pitchers. For five innings, it looked as if the single run might be enough for a second straight win as starting pitcher Dan Houston hurled five shutout innings, but the Missions eventually broke through with four runs in the bottom of the sixth and posted a 5-1 win over the Drillers at San Antonio's Nelson Wolff Stadium.

The loss spoiled a strong start by Houston. Through his five shutout innings, the right-hander had allowed only two hits and one walk.

After scoring four first-inning runs in Thursday's opener, the Drillers were held without a hit through the first three innings before ending the scoreless battle with a run in the fourth. With one out, Nolan Arenado lined a single into centerfield, his fifth hit of the season. The third baseman came home to make it 1-0 when Kent Matthes doubled into left field.

Houston's shutout bid and Tulsa's hopes for a second straight win ended in the bottom of the sixth. Carlos Sosa drew a leadoff walk and Jaff Decker and Jeudy Valdez followed with back-to-back singles that loaded the bases.

Jedd Gyorko made it three straight hits with a ground ball single into left that scored Sosa to tie the game.

Houston retired Nathan Freiman on a fly out before Edinson Rincon put the Missions in front with a sacrifice fly. With two outs, Reymond Fuentes delivered a big two-run single that upped San Antonio's lead to 4-1.

The Missions struck again in the seventh off reliever Kurt Yacko as Sosa tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly from Valdez.

Tulsa would never threaten to get back in the game, going down in order in both the eighth and ninth innings.

San Antonio out-hit the Drillers 10-4 as Missions pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts. Ryan Kelly picked up the win with two perfect innings in relief of starter Keyvius Sampson.

Houston suffered the loss, surrendering his four runs on six hits in six innings of work.

Arenado finished 1-4 and is now 5-9 through the season's first two games.

The Drillers and Missions will play the deciding game of their season opening series Saturday night. Tulsa native Parker Frazier will make his Double A debut on the mound for the Drillers against Andrew Werner of the Missions. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05PM.

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Texas League Stories from April 6, 2012


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