Grand Slam Powers Drillers To Win

Clinging to a one-run lead in the top of the ninth, the Tulsa Drillers needed a little bit of insurance.

Jimmy Cesario delivered that insurance in a big way, and it was a good thing he came through as well.

Cesario blasted a grand slam to right field to give the Drillers a 6-0 lead as Tulsa held off a late rally by Northwest Arkansas to win, 6-3 Wednesday night.

The Drillers managed just five hits, and went 1-5 with runners in scoring, but that one hit was obviously a big one.

Cesario's home run followed a bases-loaded walk to Kent Mathes that made the score 2-0 in favor of the Drillers. Tulsa had taken a 1-0 lead in the top of the third on a solo home run by Mike Zuanich.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Naturals rallied to score three runs on five hits to cut the deficit in half, but the Naturals were unable to overcome the devastating blow dealt them by Cesario.

Drillers starter Brandon Hynick picked up the win for Tulsa, pitching a five-hit shutout over seven innings. Joey Williamson picked up the save by getting the final out of the game.

Yordano Ventura took the loss for Northwest Arkansas, despite giving up a single run on two hits, while striking out seven Tulsa batters.

The Drillers will go for the sweep tomorrow night when they take on the Naturals at 7 p.m.