Drillers Rely On Long Ball To Drop Arkansas

NewsOn6.com

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas -- Tulsa relied on the long ball Wednesday to notch its second consecutive win, knocking off the Arkansas Travelers 5-2, trying to scrap its way into the Texas League playoffs.

Tim Wheeler started the scoring off as early as possible, hitting a leadoff home run in the first inning – his 30th long ball of the season – to give the Drillers (60-68) a 1-0 lead in the first inning.

Back-to-back one-run innings from Arkansas (63-62) in the second and third inning game the Travelers a 2-1 advantage heading into the latter innings of the game. However, a solo shot from Bronson Sardinha in the top of the sixth tied the game 2-2.

The tie held for an inning, but in the top of the eighth Thomas field hit a sacrifice fly with runners on first and third to bring Sardinha home to take a one-run lead. Brian Rike homered in the next at-bat to give the Drillers a 5-2 lead, which would be enough to win.

Stephen Dodson (9-2) was credited with a win for his relief outing for Tulsa, giving up just one hit and striking out two in his two innings of service. After being ejected in the top of the eighth, Daniel Sattler (1-3) was credited with a loss, giving up one run in one-third of an inning pitched.

Tulsa will continue its late-season playoff push Thursday with a 7:10 p.m. matchup with the Travelers, the third of their four-game road series against Arkansas.