Robinson continues to torment Drillers
Published on June 6, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
June 6, 2008 - Springfield outfielder Shane Robinson continued his torment of the Tulsa Drillers Friday night. Robinson collected three hits and three runs batted in to lead the Cardinals to a 9-4 victory over the Drillers. The win improved Springfield's record to a perfect 7-0 at Drillers Stadium this season.
The 5' 9" Robinson entered the game as the leading hitter in the Texas League, but he has been particular tough on Tulsa pitchers. After his big night Friday, he is now hitting .500 (22-44) with 12 RBIs in 12 games against the Drillers this season.
Early on, it appeared Tulsa would end its losing streak to the Redbirds. After spotting the Cards a 2-0 lead thanks to a pair of unearned runs in the second inning, the Drillers took the lead with a four-run third inning. All four runs scored with two outs.
With Dexter Fowler and Xavier Cedeno aboard, Matt Miller singled to right field on a 3-2 pitch to drive in both runners and tie the game. One pitch later, Tony Blanco blasted his eighth homer of the year into the left field net, giving the Drillers a 4-2 lead.
After another unearned run for the Cardinals in the fourth, they tied the game in the top of the sixth. The Redbirds put runners on first and third on a pair of bloop singles from Brandon Yarbrough and pinch-hitter Isa Garcia. Robinson followed with a bouncing base hit into left field that brought Yarbrough home to make it 5-4. Steven Hill put Springfield back in front in the top of the seventh with a long home run over the net in left field. It was Hill's 5th homer of the year.
The Cards put the game out of reach with a four-run ninth inning. The big blow was a two-out, two-run double by Robinson.
Springfield totaled 15 hits against 5 Tulsa pitchers. Joining Robinson with three hits were Jon Jay and Steven Hill.
Blanco led the Drillers' 8-hit attack with a 3-4 night.
The two teams will play the fourth and final game of their series Saturday night at 7:05PM. Chaz Roe will make his debut for the Drillers, while the Cards will send Adam Ottavino (0-4, 7.89 ERA) to the mound. Roe was 2-1 with 5.49 ERA for Class-A Modesto this season.
NOTE: The Drillers activated pitcher Jarrett Grube from the disabled list before the game, and he worked a scoreless relief inning. Pitcher Adam Bright was placed on the DL to make room for Grube.
In another roster move, infielder Duke Sardinha retired following Thursday night's game. Roe will take his spot on the roster.
Texas League Stories from June 6, 2008
- Travs down Nats - Arkansas Travelers
- Cards climb to within two games of first - Springfield Cardinals
- Hooks Hurlers Hang Hounds - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Robinson continues to torment Drillers - Tulsa Drillers
- Long ball dooms Naturals - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Travs Garner Four All Stars - Arkansas Travelers
- Clement to Pitch at Hammons on Sunday - Springfield Cardinals
- Seven RockHounds Named All-Stars - Midland RockHounds
- Travs Answer Nats With 7-1 Defeat - Arkansas Travelers
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