Tulsa Tops Springfield in Rain-Shortened Contest

Drillers' starter Juan Nicasio kept the Cardinals' offense from getting going in the seven-inning matchup.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:22 pm

By: News On 6

Tulsa Tops Springfield in Rain-Shortened Contest

Originally Published: May 1, 2011 6:32 PM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff

SPRINGFIELD, Missouri -- The Tulsa Drillers opened up the month of May with a 3-0, seven-inning win over the Cardinals Sunday thanks to the strong pitching of starter Juan Nicasio, claiming their second consecutive win over Springfield.

Nicasio (4-1) pitched the entirety of the 6.2 innings of rain-shortened game, allowing just four hits and striking out 10 batters in the win for Tulsa (13-9). Kevin Thomas (0-2) remained winless for the season, giving up six hits and three earned runs in his five innings of service for Springfield (9-14).

Tulsa did all of its scoring in the top of the fourth inning, thanks to the struggles of Thomas.

With runners on first and third, Thomas delivered a wild pitch allowing Wilin Rosario to score from third and advance Bronson Sardinha to second base to take a 1-0 advantage. In the same at-bat, Mike Daniel knocked a sharp ground ball to right field, bringing Sardinha home from second to extend the lead to two runs.

Two at-bats later Nicasio sent a line-drive to center field to bring Daniel home from third to take a 3-0 advantage.

Tulsa will cap off its seven-game road trip at 12:07 p.m. Monday against Springfield, before returning home for a four-game home stand against the Arkansas Travelers.