Drillers Offense Nonexistent in Sluggish 3-1 Loss to Naturals

Former Oklahoma State quarterback and pitcher Josh Fields propels Northwest Arkansas to Victory.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:55 am

By: News On 6

Drillers Offense Nonexistent in Sluggish 3-1 Loss to Naturals

Originally Published: Aug 29, 2010 9:4 PM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

TULSA, Oklahoma – The Tulsa Drillers held Northwest Arkansas scoreless in all but one inning Sunday, but that one inning was more than enough for the Naturals as they beat Tulsa, 3-1.

The Drillers looked sluggish, especially at the plate, managing five hits and only putting one runner in scoring position the entire game.

Second baseman Jason Van Kooten reached second on a double in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Designated hitter Scott Beerer drove him in to put Tulsa up 1-0, but that was as far as the Drillers’ offensive attack would reach.

In the top of the next inning, the first five batters for Northwest Arkansas picked up singles, driving in three runs in the process.

Former Oklahoma State quarterback and pitcher Josh Fields, who plays for the Kansas City Royals, is rehabbing from right hip surgery and was active for the Naturals on Sunday. He drove in two of Northwest Arkansas’ three runs.

Tulsa failed to respond to the Naturals’ big inning, picking up only two hits the remainder of the game.

Brandon Durden gave up seven hits and all three runs on the mound for the Drillers, picking up the loss and moving to 5-11 on the year. Blake Johnson got the win for the Naturals.

The teams will continue their series at 7:05 p.m. Monday at ONEOK Field in Tulsa.