Drillers Lose Fourth Straight, Fall To Northwest Arkansas

Whit Merrifield's two-run home run in the sixth inning broke a 2-2 tie and propelled Northwest Arkansas to a 4-3 win over the Tulsa Drillers Thursday night.

The home run spoiled a solid pitching outing for Drillers starter Tyler Matzek, who scattered nine hits over six innings of work.

Brooks Pounders picked up the win for the Naturals, working six innings and giving up seven hits and three runs while striking out eight Tulsa batters.

Zach Jackson got the final five outs of the game for his sixth save of the season.

The Drillers once again struggled to bring runners home, stranding eight runners and going just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

Kent Mathes led the Drillers offense with a 3-for-4 showing at the plate with a double and an RBI. Kiel Roling went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI.

The Drillers have now lost four straight games after clinching a playoff berth with a first place finish in the division for the first half of the season.

Tulsa and Northwest Arkansas are back in action Friday night at ONEOK Field at 7:05 p.m.