Naturals Battle By Drillers
Published on June 21, 2010 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals and the Tulsa Drillers took part in an early slugfest Monday night at Arvest Ballpark. The two teams combined for 13 runs and 18 hits in the first three innings, but it was the Naturals who outlasted the Drillers for an 8-6 victory.
Tulsa took an early lead in the top of the first inning when Scott Beerer singled home the games first run.
The Naturals responded in the bottom of the inning with three runs thanks to a sacrifice fly and a run-scoring double and single.
The Drillers fought right back in the second to retake the lead. Tulsa took advantage off two walks before Charlie Blackmon belted his third home run of the season to give the Drillers a 4-3 edge.
Tulsa loaded the bases in the third inning and scored runs on a double-play groundout and then a single by Matt Repec that pushed the Drillers lead to 6-3.
NW Arkansas used a 4-run bottom of the third to take the lead for good. The Naturals ratted off six hits in the inning to take a 7-6 lead.
The two teams would go scoreless for the next four frames, but a solo home run by Manny Pina in the bottom of the eighth gave the Naturals an insurance run and an 8-6 advantage.
The Drillers actually loaded the bases with one out in the top of the eighth, but back-to-back strikeouts put an end to the Tulsa threat.
Louis Coleman worked the last 3 and 1/3 innings to pick up his fifth save of the season.
Andy Graham worked three relief innings after taking over for Drillers starting pitcher Keith Weiser. The right-hander was dominant allowing only two hits and striking out four batters.
Repec lead the Tulsa offense with three hits and one run batted in.
The Drillers will continue their series with the Naturals Tuesday night. Cory Riordan (3-4, 4.14 ERA) will take the mound for Tulsa against NW Arkansas' Eduardo Paulino (5-3, 4.13 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00PM in Springfield, Arkansas.
Texas League Stories from June 21, 2010
- Travs Lose Big to Cards, 11-4 - Arkansas Travelers
- Johnson Does It All in Hooks Win - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Cardinals Blast Travelers, 11-4 - Springfield Cardinals
- Naturals Battle By Drillers - Tulsa Drillers
- Naturals Come from Behind, Beat Drillers - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- RockHounds Trump RoughRiders in Slugfest - Midland RockHounds
- Manny Pina Activated from DL - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Brian Walker Announces Retirement - Arkansas Travelers
- Series Preview: Naturals Host Drillers for Four Games - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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