TL1 Tulsa Drillers

Series Preview: Tulsa Series Bridges Halves

Published on June 16, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release


After a road trip that saw the first-half playoff hopes fade into the rear-view mirror, the Naturals return home for some home cookin' in an eight-game homestand against the Tulsa Drillers and the Travelers. Northwest Arkansas went 2-8 on the just-completed road trip against Tulsa and Springfield, and were outscored by their opponents, 41-25. While the Naturals were swept at Tulsa, they split their series with the Cardinals. That said, the two losses, both in the double-header Saturday, combined with the Travelers' wins Saturday and Sunday eliminated the Naturals from possibly clinching the first-half title that comes with an automatic playoff berth. The twinbill Saturday was necessitated by Springfield's inclement weather on Friday that caused flooding in and around Hammons Field in Springfield. As for the playoff situation, it is still unsettled. The Travelers can clinch it with a win tonight or tomorrow against Springfield, but if the S-Cards win both games, they'll get the spot.

The Naturals, for their part, can get back to the .500 level moving into the season's second half (which begins Wednesday) with wins tonight and tomorrow. To do it, they'll have to beat the Tulsa Drillers, who have several of the Rockies' Top 30 prospects according to Baseball America. OF Dexter Fowler (#3) is noted as the best athlete in the Rockies' system. SS Chris Nelson (#7), 2B Eric Young Jr. (#22), and INF Corey Wimberly (#24) all have plus speed, and Nelson is a budding five-tool talent. Young, Tulsa's leadoff hitter, is the son of Eric Young, the former Rockies second baseman who took the first at-bat in Rockies' history. For his part, Wimberly is said to be the fastest baserunner in the Rockies' system. Tulsa has been an important pipeline for the Rockies in recent seasons.

Three pitchers are also top prospects: RHP Casey Weathers (#6), the Drillers' closer and 2007 first-round draft pick who Razorback fans might remember from his days with Vanderbilt, RHP Brandon Hynick (#8), a change-up and control artist who posted the second-best ERA in the 100-plus seasons of the Advanced-A California League last season, and Chaz Roe (#10).

One other Drillers hurler, right-hander Alan Johnson, who will start on Wednesday night, is an SEC alum, logging his college years at Mississippi State.

Tulsa is currently in last place within the North Division, with an 27-41record. They rank third in the loop in batting average (.273) and seventh in pitching (4.88 ERA). In the past six weeks, since Tulsa last visited, they've lowered their ERA by nearly a quarter of a run and improved their batting average fifteen points. They're also in the top half of Texas League clubs in steals (78) and homers (62). With a well-balanced offense, as the pitching improves Tulsa figures to be a force in the season's second half.

Tonight's pitching matchup pits Naturals' righty Blake Johnson (5-5, 4.14) against southpaw, Xavier Cedeno (4-6, 5.61). Tomorrow, LHP Paul Mildren will face Drillers RHP Chaz Roe. Wednesday, RHP Daniel Cortes will oppose RHP Alan Johnson, and RHP Blake Wood will start for the Naturals in the series finale Thursday opposite RHP Brandon Hynick for Tulsa.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale.. The Naturals have a toll-free ticket hotline (1-877-444-2637) for fans to purchase Naturals tickets. Our website also offers fans the opportunity to purchase tickets online and avoid lines at the ticket windows by printing their tickets at home or at the office.

Check out the Tulsa Drillers Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Texas League Stories from June 16, 2008


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.

OurSports Central