Drillers Drop Third Straight

Tulsa’s bats went stagnant in 4-1 loss to Springfield.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:53 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Aug 8, 2010 9:32 PM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

Tulsa, Oklahoma -- The Tulsa Drillers managed a single run and only two hits Sunday night in a 4-1 loss to the Springfield Cardinals.

Springfield got off to a quick start again, with catcher Tony Cruz homering in the top of the first. It was the third straight game the Drillers allowed at least one run in the top of the first.

Tulsa’s only run came in the bottom of the fifth, with first baseman Kiel Roling starting off the inning with a solo homer.

But by that point, the Cardinals were already up 3-1, and the small lead proved insurmountable. Springfield added an extra run in the eighth for good measure on an Aaron Luna home run. Three of Tulsa’s four runs came off of solo home runs.

Only one player - Roling - recorded a hit for the Drillers. Roling had a single in the bottom of the second to go along with his home run.

Brian Broderick pitched six innings for Springfield and picked up the win. Cory Riordan was credited with the loss for Tulsa. He gave up five hits and three runs in six innings.

Tulsa will try to avoid a four-game sweep, taking on the Cardinals at 7:05 p.m. Monday at ONEOK field.