Tulsa Opens Series Against Naturals With Comeback Win

The Tulsa Drillers took advantage of a late offensive push, knocking off the Northwest Arkansas Naturals 4-2 Saturday, opening up the four-game series with win.

The game started as a pitcher's duel, with both teams locked in a scoreless tie through the first six innings of the game, with Northwest Arkansas breaking the tie in the top of the seventh.

With two outs on the board, Ray Navarro doubled to right field, with Carlo Testa following with a walk to put two on base. Sharlon Schoop singled in the following at-bat, putting two runners in scoring position and Ryan Jenkins followed with a double, scoring Navarro and Testa to take a 2-0 lead.

Tulsa managed its first run by stringing together back-to-back singles and a walk, putting Ben Paulsen on base with one out on the board. Tim Torres sent a sacrifice fly to center field in the next at-bat, bringing Paulsen home to cut the lead to one run.

The Drillers then capitalized on their-two-out hitting in the bottom of the ninth to take the lead. Michael Mitchell grounded into a force out, reaching first but with Warren Schaeffer being thrown out at second. Two at-bats later, Paulsen singled to right field to bring Mitchell Home. Kiel Roling reached on a fielding error in the next at-bat, bringing Paulsen home to take a 4-2 advantage.

Zach Simmons (2-0) was credited with win for the outing, not allowing a hit and striking out one in one inning of service. Patrick Keating (2-1) not only blew a save, but picked up a loss, allowing three hits and three runs in one inning.

Tulsa will be back in action at 7:05 p.m. Monday against the Naturals, trying to win back-to-back games to open the series.