Drillers' Skid Continues With 6-2 Loss To Naturals

Newson6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma – The Tulsa Drillers' recent struggles continued Wednesday with a 6-2 loss to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

The Drillers (33-38) briefly held a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning when Tim Wheeler launched a two-run home run. But that advantage did not last long.

Ben Theriot hit a two-run single in the next half-inning to put the Naturals (36-32) back on top 3-2, and they did not surrender the lead for the rest of the night. They added three more insurance runs in the eighth inning thanks to a two-run double by Mario Lisson and RBI single Nick Van Stratten.

Cory Riordan (1-7) continued his difficult season on the mound, giving up three runs on 10 hits in seven innings. Adam Jorgensen did not fare much better in relief and allowed another three runs on just two hits in his only inning of work.

Will Smith (5-6) gave Northwest Arkansas a strong outing, holding the Drillers to two runs on five hits with three strikeouts in six innings. His two relievers combined to allow just three hits in the final three frames.

The Drillers now have lost five of their last six games and are just a half-game from falling into last place in their division. They will return to action in Game 3 of a four-game series against the Naturals at 7:05 p.m. Thursday.