Drillers Offense Stifled in Afternoon Loss to Naturals

Tulsa managed just one run in the series-closing loss to Northwest Arkansas Tuesday.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:23 pm

By: News On 6

Drillers Offense Stifled in Afternoon Loss to Naturals

Originally Published: May 10, 2011 4:20 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

SPRINGDALE, Arkansas -- The Tulsa Drillers closed their road series with Northwest Arkansas Tuesday with a 3-1 loss, kept in check by the Naturals’ pitching staff throughout.

NWA (14-14) starter Will Smith shut down the Drillers’ (18-18) offense in the matchup, giving up just seven hits and one earned run – a solo shot from Lars Davis in the top of third – in his six innings of service.

Tulsa’s Rob Scahill (2-3) was credited with a loss for the outing, giving up three earned runs on eight hits in his 6.1 innings pitched.

The Naturals took to the scoreboard first, thanks to two-out hitting in the bottom of the first. Wil Myers knocked a line drive single to center fielder, with Jamie Romak drawing a walk in the next at-bat. Tim Smith followed with a single to left field to bring Myers home and take a 1-0 lead.

With runners on second and third in the bottom of the second, Anthony Seratelli grounded out to second base, allowing James Cesario to score and extend the lead to two runs.

Five innings later, once again with runners on first and third, Myers sent a line drive single to left field to bring Nick Van Stratten home and take a 3-1 advantage.

The Drilelrs will take a day to head across the state to take on the Arkansas Travelers in a doubleheader, starting at 6 p.m. Thursday.