Wichita rallies past Tulsa
Published on June 11, 2006 under Texas League (TL1)
Tulsa Drillers News Release
A promising start to Sunday afternoon's game for the Tulsa Drillers turned into a disappointing ending. The Drillers scored four times in the bottom of the first inning, but then watched the Wichita Wranglers rally for five straight runs to claim a 5-4 win. The loss for the first-place Drillers, combined with Springfield's win over Arkansas, cut their lead in the North Division standings to only two games over the second-place Cardinals.
Tulsa offenive production Sunday came with two outs in the first inning. After Troy Tulowitzki led off with a walk, Wichita starter Junior Herndon retired Seth Smith and Joe Gaetti. With Ian Stewart at the plate, Tulowitzki stole second base and then scored the game's first run on a single to right by Stewart. Chris Iannetta followed and made it 2-0 with a run-scoring double. Joe Koshansky then completed the big first inning with his 15th homer of the season to give the Drillers a 4-0 lead.
The blast by Koshansky would not only be the final run of the game for the Drillers, it would be their final hit. Herndon recovered and worked six hitless innings, and a pair of Wichita relievers completed the game.
The Wranglers comeback began in the third inning as Billy Butler's double off Steven Register plated Alex Gordon, who had singled.
Wichita cut the Tulsa lead to 4-3 with a pair of runs in the fifth inning. Angel Sanchez and Mitch Maier started the inning with consecutive singles and both eventually scored.
Butler struck again in the seventh inning. His 8th homer of the year off reliever Judd Songster was his third hit of the day and tied the game at 4-4. The Wranglers right fielder finished the day 3-5 and fell only a triple short of hitting for the cycle.
Another long ball in the ninth inning gave Wichita the win. With one out, Maier lofted a high fly ball off Jim Miller that just landed into the net above the left field wall. For Maier, it was his eighth home run of the season.
After the four-run first inning, the Drillers produced only three more base runners. Tulowitzki reached on an error in the second inning and was thrown out attempting to steal. Christian Colonel and Koshansky walked in the seventh and ninth innings, but both were left stranded.
At one point, Herndon retired 15 straight Tulsa hitters.
Devon Lowery gained the win for Wichita in relief of Herndon by pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning. Ryan Braun worked the ninth to record his 8th save of the year.
The Drillers and Wranglers will continue their series Monday night at Drillers Stadium. Juan Morillo (5-2, 2.82 ERA) is the scheduled starting pitcher for Tulsa. He will work against Zack Greinke (1-0, 3.27 ERA), who is making his second rehabilitation start for Wichita as he continues to prepare for his return to the Kansas City Royals.
Texas League Stories from June 11, 2006
- "The Rocket" dazzles in Hooks' 5-1 win - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Cards spring five homers In 11-1 win over Travs - Arkansas Travelers
- Redbirds swat five homers in 11-1 win - Springfield Cardinals
- Wichita rallies past Tulsa - Tulsa Drillers
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