Naturals Use Five Run Inning to Top Drillers, 6-3
Published on July 27, 2011 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
It was the big inning that the Northwest Arkansas Naturals used to get past the Tulsa Drillers in the series opener. The Naturals again used the big inning Wednesday, scoring five runs in the second, proving it would be all that the team needed. After spotting the Naturals a 5-0 lead, the Drillers came back to add three runs, however it wasn't enough. The Naturals beat the Drillers 6-3, extending their division lead to two games.
The Naturals took full advantage of the opportunity given to them by the Drillers in the second inning. An error, by shortstop Hector Gomez, along with four Naturals' base hits led to five runs. Only two runs were earned inning, however the Naturals still led 5-0 after the second.
Making his first career start at third base, Ben Paulsen put the Drillers on the board in the fourth. Paulsen led off the inning with a homerun to deep right-center field, his thirteenth of the year.
With two outs in the fourth Tommy Field hit the second solo homerun of the inning, and his fourteenth of the year. The homerun brought the Drillers back to within three, at 5-2.
Paulsen collected his third hit and second RBI of the night in the fifth. Gomez singled with two outs, and came around to score on Paulsen's double to right field. Although he was thrown out trying to advance to third, Paulsen cut the Naturals' lead to 5-3.
A walk and three singles contributed to one run for the Naturals in the sixth.
Though the Naturals owned a 6-3 lead over the Drillers after seven innings, Rob Scahill battled throughout the night.
Scahill was victim to some untimely breaks all night. Whether it was the inconsistent strike zone, or well placed groundball base hits, Scahill could not catch a break. Albeit he did not allow an extra base hit in his seven innings pitched, the Naturals tagged him for six runs (3 ER) on ten hits, and four walks.
Along with Paulsen, Tim Wheeler was the only other Driller with more than one hit. Wheeler had singles in both the third and seventh inning.
Derrick Robinson, Christian Colon, and Paulo Orlando, all led the Naturals' attack with two hits apiece.
Robinson also extended his Texas League stolen base lead by swiping two bags, giving him forty on the year.
The Drillers were unable threaten in the ninth, as Kevin Chapman struck out the side to record his third save of the year and the Naturals tenth win in their last eleven games.
The Drillers and Naturals play the final game of the three-game set Thursday night from Arvest Ballpark at 7:05 PM. Joey Williamson (2-2, 3.00) will get the start for the Drillers against Edgar Garcia (0-0, 1.29) of the Naturals.
Notes: The Drillers announced Wednesday that Warren Schaeffer was called up to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Also, Jimmy Cesario was placed on the disabled list, with Jeffery Squier being called up from Class-A Tri-City.
Texas League Stories from July 27, 2011
- Midland Gets 19 Hits in 8-3 Win - Frisco RoughRiders
- Cards Cruise Past Travs 6-1 - Arkansas Travelers
- Naturals Use Five Run Inning to Top Drillers, 6-3 - Tulsa Drillers
- Big Second Propels Naturals to Win - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Cardinals Beat Travelers 6-1 - Springfield Cardinals
- Game Notes, July 27 - San Antonio at Corpus Christi - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Pina, Santiago Return to Naturals - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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