Offense Fails Drillers In Ten-Inning Loss
Published on April 12, 2010 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
One day after scoring eight first-innings runs, the Tulsa Drillers could only manage one run in ten innings Monday night. The result was a 5-1 loss to the San Antonio Missions at ONEOK Field.
The Drillers came up short in extra innings for the second time in the past three games as the Missions broke up a pitcher's duel with four tenth inning runs.
The two pitching staffs combined for 24 strikeouts. The San Antonio pitching staff was dominate for all ten frames, giving up only the one run while striking out 14.
The game deciding tenth began when Cedric Hunter led off with a ground-rule double. Andrew Parrino followed with a single that deflected off reliever Alberto Alburquerque and rolled slowly into left-center field. The deflection allowed Hunter to race home with the go ahead run.
San Antonio would eventually load the bases and expand its lead. Kellen Kulbacki's double scored two runs and Luis Martinez followed with a run scoring double that pushed the lead to 5-1.
Missions' reliever Craig Italiano worked a scoreless bottom of the tenth to end the contest.
The Drillers lone run of the game came in the fourth inning and gave them a short-lived 1-0 lead. Anthony Jackson led off with a walk, then stole second to move into scoring position. With two outs, Jeff Kindel's single to left field plated Jackson with the game's first run.
San Antonio quickly tied the game at 1-1 in the fifth. Martinez and pitcher Corey Kluber singled before Hunter's two-out single scored Martinez.
Tulsa starter Keith Weiser pitched well in his ONEOK Field debut, allowing only one run in 6.1 innings. He did not walk a batter while striking out six.
Andy Graham worked two scoreless innings in relief of Weiser, while Alburquerque suffered the loss, his second of the young season.
The Drillers offense was held to only four hits, all of which were singles. Excluding Sunday's offensive output, Tulsa has scored only seven runs in four games while hitting only .193.
The Drillers will conclude their season opening homestand Tuesday night. Christian Friedrich (0-1, 1.50 ERA) will make his second start of the season, while San Antonio will counter with Nathan Culp (0-1, 12.27 ERA). First pitch is schedule for 7:05 PM at ONEOK Field.
NOTES: Shortstop Hector Gomez missed his third straight game with a back injury. He is listed as day-to-day... Tuesday's finale will be the first $2 Tuesday of the season. Fans can enjoy $2 lawn tickets, as well as $2 hot dogs, pizza, pretzels and soft drinks.
Texas League Stories from April 12, 2010
- Hooks Gain Early Lead, Can't Hold It - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Offense Fails Drillers In Ten-Inning Loss - Tulsa Drillers
- Hooks' Miscues End Up Costing Them, Naturals Triumph - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Brasier & Three Relievers Blank 'Riders - Arkansas Travelers
- Cards Blow-out RockHounds, 11-6 - Springfield Cardinals
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