Drillers Lose Series Finale in Shutout

The Drilllers could not solve Northwest Arkansas' pitching and only recorded three hits.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:24 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: May 20, 2011 1:8 AM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

TULSA, Okla. – The Tulsa Drillers finished with a split of a four-game series with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals after a 2-0 loss Thursday.

NW Arkansas (20-16) starting pitcher John Lamb had to leave the game after just two at-bats, but the Travelers still received dominant pitching performances from each of their three relievers.

The Drillers (22-17) mustered only three hits all night and only one time managed to have two runners on base at the same time.

That came in the second inning, when a double and hit batter gave Tulsa runners on first and second with only one out. But a lineout and strikeout quickly ended that threat, and the Drillers never threatened again.

Tulsa starter Christian Friedrich also turned in a strong performance, allowing only four hits. But the last one he surrendered was a two-run home run by Salvador Perez in the sixth inning, and that one swing accounted for the only offense of the night.

Friedrich finished with a loss despite his performance, while Eduardo Paulina earned a win for NW Arkansas. He was the third pitcher of the night for the Travelers and allowed only two hits in four innings of work.

Kelvin Herrera entered in the ninth inning and shut the door, striking out two of the three batters he faced for his first save of the season.

The Drillers had won each of the two previous games of the series, both in walk-off fashion. Thursday was their third shutout loss of the season and their second in the last five games. They will remain at home for a four-game series against Springfield beginning at 7:05 p.m. Friday.