Drillers Get First Win At ONEOK
TULSA, Okla. – After going winless in their first three games at ONEOK Field, the Tulsa Drillers were able to take out some of their early-season frustrations Sunday afternoon. The relief came courtesy of an eight-run first inning that helped send the Drillers to a 9-6 victory over the San Antonio Missions. It was their first win of the season for the Drillers and their first-ever win at ONEOK.
Tulsa’s big inning began with Anthony Jackson drawing a leadoff walk, and Jason Van Kooten reaching on an error. Kenny Perez followed with a two-run double into the left field corner. After Scott Beerer grounded out and Ryan Harvey walked, Jeff Kindel plated Perez with a base hit to right field. A two-run triple by Wilin Rosario, and a run-scoring single by Radames Nazario upped the run total to six. A two-run homer to right field by Jackson completed the eight-run frame.
The Drillers were actually trailing before the big inning as Logan Forsythe belted a two-run homer in the top of the first inning for San Antonio.
Tulsa’s 8-2 lead lasted until the top of the third when the Missions cut the margin to three runs with an single from Matt Clark and a two-run base hit from Sawyer Carroll. Carroll is a product of nearby Henryetta High School.
The Drillers got one of the runs back in the bottom of the third on a run-scoring single by Radames Nazario.
From there, the pitchers took control. The only other run of the game scored in the top of the eighth as Andrew Parrino singled and came home on a double by Luis Martinez.
Starting pitcher Bruce Billings was credited with the win for Tulsa. Billings went the first five innings before turning the game over to reliever Scott Rice. Rice, who pitched for San Antonio last season, worked two scoreless frames without allowing a hit.
Nick Bierbrodt allowed one run in one inning of work, while Craig Baker collected his first Double A save with a scoreless ninth.
Jackson, Rosario and Nazario led a nine-hit offensive attack for the Drillers with two hits each.
Tulsa and San Antonio will play the second game of their three-game series Monday night. Lefthander Keith Weiser will make his first start of the season for the Drillers, while Corey Kluber will take the mound for the Missions. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05PM at ONEOK Field.
Updated 04-12-2010
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