Tulsa Drillers Power Up against Northwest Arkansas

Originally Published: Jun 17, 2010 10:3 PM CDT

Andrew Topps
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The Tulsa Drillers used the long ball to their advantage in their 3-1 victory over Northwest Arkansas Thursday.

Jason Van Kooten broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the fifth inning with a two-run homer to left. Scott Beerer followed that up with a solo shot to left in the sixth to put Tulsa on top 3-1.

The Naturals scored their lone run in the top of the seventh. Scott Rice replaced Cory Riordan on the mound in the seventh with runners on second and third. Rice was called for a balk which allowed Clay Fueller to score from third. Rice minimized the damaged by getting an inning-ending strikeout.

Riordan (3-4) gave up one earned run in 6.2 innings to gain the win for the Drillers.

Barrett Browning (5-4) allowed two earned runs in 4.1 innings and was tagged with the loss.

The two teams continue their series at 7:05 p.m. Friday.