5-Run First Inning Propels Drillers to Win

Tulsa took the series against Northwest Arkansas to conclude a 7-game homestand.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:52 am

By: News On 6

5-Run First Inning Propels Drillers to Win

Originally Published: Jul 29, 2010 10:2 PM CDT

Dave Carty
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

TULSA, Oklahoma -- A five-run first inning -- powered in part by a Bronson Sardinha two-run blast -- lifted the Tulsa Drillers past the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, 5-3.

Tulsa third baseman Warren Schaeffer walked with the bases loaded to force in another run and Radames Nazario added a two-RBI single. All nine Tulsa batters reached the plate in the first inning against roughed-up starter Aaron Crow (7-7), who was stuck with the loss.

From there, the Tulsa bats went silent, grabbing five more hits but failing to add runs to the tally.

Northwest Arkansas got to right-hander Cory Riordan in the top of the fourth, scoring two on a ground-rule double by left fielder Tim Smith.

Riordan (6-3) was largely in control during his outing, fanning eight Naturals batters while giving up three runs.

That third and final run was scored in the seventh inning -- an RBI groundout by Chris McConnell.

Tulsa hits the road for a four-game set against the Arkansas Travelers, starting Friday night at 7:05 p.m.