Drillers Use Extra Innings To Top Springfield

Newson6.com

SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – The Tulsa Drillers put together a four-run 11th inning to top the Springfield Cardinals by a final of 8-4 Thursday.

In a game that saw 30 hits and a total of 12 runs, the Drillers got the scoring started and used its production at the plate to build on late in the game.

Tulsa got on the board first when Ben Paulsen singled to center fielder to score Tim Wheeler. In second, Tulsa added another run off a home run by Brian Rike to left field for his sixth of the season.

Springfield used the bottom of the second and the third to tie the ballgame. In the second Jose Garcia singled to right to score Zack Cox from third, then in the next inning Alex Castellanos doubled to left to score Ryan Jackson and make it 2-2.

After scoreless innings in the fourth and fifth, Tulsa took the lead adding two runs in the sixth. Paulsen leadoff with a walk, then Bronson Sardinha homered on a ball to left center for his sixth of the season.

Springfield put together a last inning effort for the win, but only managed to tie the game and force extra innings. Chris Swauger singled to center to score Audry Perez, then four batter later Alex Castellanos singled to left to score Swauger and tie the game.

But the Drillers would come out in full force in the 11th to close out the game for good. With one on and one out, Lars davis singled to right to advance Rike to second base. Scott Beerer entered the lineup for Tulsa replacing Joe Torres, but struckout. Then Tim Wheeler walked, which loaded the bases for Thomas Field who drove in two runs on a ground ball double to left.

Springfield changed pitchers putting Daniel Calhoun on the mound, but it wouldn't be enough. Ben Paulsen took the plate and knocked a line drive to center field to score Wheeler and Field.

The Cardinals went three-up, three-down in the bottom of the frame to give Tulsa the 8-4 victory.

Tulsa takes the field again Friday for a four-game home stand against Arkansas. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. in Tulsa.