Drillers Top Springfield To Avoid Losing Streak

The Tulsa Drillers snapped a short skid Thursday, overcoming a three-run deficit to knock off the Springfield Cardinals 6-4.

Springfield jumped out to a big lead early, thanks to a bases-clearing double from Kyle Conley in the top of the first and a solo shot from Jake Shaffer homered in the top of the fourth to take a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the fourth.

However, that's when the Tulsa offense really came to life and retook the lead.

In the bottom of the fourth, Michael Mitchell hit a leadoff single and two at-bats later, Josh Rutledge tripled to center field brought Mitchell home to cut the lead to two runs. Angelys Nina knocked a ground ball single to center field to bring Rutledge across the plate to cut the deficit to 4-3. Two at-bats later, Ben Paulsen grounded out to shortstop, allowing Nina to score and tie the game 4-4.

Nina continued to contribute in the next inning, doubling to left field with runners on second and third to bring Lars Davis and Kent Matthes across the plate, taking a 6-4 lead.

Nick Schmidt (3-3) came away with a win for his outing, giving up four earned runs on five hits and striking out five in his five innings of service. Chris Corrigan (0-1) received a loss, giving up the final two earned runs of the game on three hits in one inning pitched.

Tulsa will try to win back-to-back wins at 7:05 p.m. Friday, the third game of the four-game series against the Cardinals.