Errors Prove Costly For Drillers In Loss

A four-run seventh inning for Northwest Arkansas doomed the Tulsa Drillers in a 5-1 loss to the Naturals Friday night.

Richard Castillo took the loss for the Drillers despite giving up just a single run in six innings of work. Nelson Gonzalez came on in relief in the seventh inning and gave up all four runs on two hits and a walk, along with a wild pitch. Only one of the four runs was earned.

J.C. Sulbaran picked up the win for the Naturals, allowing three hits, four walks, and no runs in six innings.

Back-to-back errors and a walk by Tulsa loaded the bases for NW Arkansas with no outs in the seventh. Jorge Bonifacio delivered the big blow, doubling home all three runners. Whit Merrifield singled later in the inning to score Bonifacio.

Tulsa had four errors in the game.

The Drillers avoided being shut out by scoring a run in the bottom of the ninth on an RBI single from Tyler Massey.

The two teams are back in action at ONEOK Field at 7:05 p.m. Saturday night.