RockHounds Down Drillers
Published on May 26, 2010 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
The first game of the 2010 season between the Tulsa Drillers and the Midland RockHounds was nothing short of a pitching duel. Midland starter Anthony Capra and the RockHounds pitching staff were dominate as the Hounds defeated the Drillers 3-2 Wednesday night in Midland.
Capra threw five strong innings, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out four on the way to his third victory of the season.
Tulsa starter Christian Friedrich battled after giving up the three early runs, throwing four innings and striking out four batters in his third start since coming of the disabled list.
After both starting pitchers left the game, their respective bullpens picked up right where they left off. Tulsa reliever Andy Graham threw three scoreless innings while Midland reliever Justin Friend worked two and 1/3 shutout innings.
The Drillers offense got off to a quick start to begin the game. In the top of the first inning, Anthony Jackson led off with a single and eventually scored on a sacrifice fly by Scott Beerer to give Tulsa a 1-0 lead.
Midland responded in the bottom of the first to take a 2-1 advantage. J.C. Holt singled to right field to start the inning. Josh Horton walked and then Alex Valdez's infield single loaded the bases with no outs. A sacrifice fly by Jeff Baisley plated Holt and tied the game. After a strikeout, Shane Peterson followed with a single to right field that scored Horton for the go-ahead run.
The Drillers got out of the inning, however, as right fielder Ryan Harvey threw a bullet to third baseman Matt Repec who tagged out Alex Valdez's as he attempted to advance to third base on Peterson's single. The out allowed the Drillers to get out of the jam facing only a 2-1 deficit.
The RockHounds scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the second. Jermaine Mitchell singled and eventually scored on a single by Horton.
Tulsa cut into Midland's lead in the sixth inning. Bronson Sardinha drew a lead off walk and Kiel Roling singled before both runners moved up a base on a sacrifice bunt by Matt Repec. A groundout by Jackson allowed Sardinha to race home and close the gap to 3-2.
Sardinha singled in the top of the ninth with two outs, but that was a close as the Drillers would get. Midland's Jared Lansford got Roling to ground into a force out to end the game.
The Drillers had seven hits in the game, three off the bat of Anthony Jackson. The centerfielder went 3-4 with a run scored and drove in one runner.
Tulsa will continue their series with the RockHounds Thursday night. Bruce Billing (3-3, 3.77 ERA) will start for the Drillers and Midland will counter with Travis Banwart (4-2, 3.88 ERA). First pitch is schedule for 7:00PM at Citibank Ballpark.
Texas League Stories from May 26, 2010
- Hill and Kopp Carry Cardinals Past Hooks - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Missions Top Travs 4-3 to Open Series - Arkansas Travelers
- RockHounds Down Drillers - Tulsa Drillers
- Beavan, 'Riders Edge Naturals - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Cards, Kopp Snag Hooks, Win 6-2 - Springfield Cardinals
- Beavan helps Frisco Nip the Naturals - Frisco RoughRiders
- Naturals Recently Completed Homestand Best Ever - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
