Drillers Blanked By Corpus Christi

The Tulsa Drillers and the Corpus Christi Hooks are considered two of the most talented teams in the minor leagues this season, and they met for the first time this year on Sunday afternoon at ONEOK Field. It was Corpus Christi who took the victory in the first meeting, blanking the Drillers 4-0.

The result allowed the Hooks to maintain their perfect start to the season, improving their record to 4-0. The defeat was the second this year for the Drillers, and both have come via shutout losses.

Baseball America recently rated Tulsa the fifth most talented team in the minors, while Corpus Christi was ranked the sixth most talented.

In Sunday's first meeting, the Hooks jumped to an early 2-0 lead with consecutive RBI singles from Leo Heras and Brandon Meredith in the second inning.

DH Telvin Nash increased the margin to three runs with his second home run of the season in the third inning, before Meredith collected his second RBI of the game with a two-out double in the seventh.

Tulsa starter Jeremy Kehrt, making his first start of the season, worked the first four innings and was charged with three runs. Kehrt gave up six hits and issued two walks.

Hooks starter Lance McCullers, the son of former big league pitcher Lance McCullers Sr., pitched five shutout innings and allowed four hits and three walks while striking out seven.

Three Corpus Christi relievers combined to keep the Drillers scoreless over the final four frames.

Tulsa shortstop Corey Seager continued his hot start to the season with a pair of singles, raising his batting average to .438.

The two teams will be back in action at 7:05 p.m. Monday night at ONEOK Field. Matt Shelton will make his first start of the season for Tulsa as he will oppose Mike Hauschild of Corpus Christi.