Drillers Outlasted by Travelers

It took 16 innings, but Arkansas finally took down Tulsa in Jeff Francis's return to the team.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:43 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: May 7, 2010 8:29 AM CDT

Dave Carty
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Despite numerous chances, the Tulsa Drillers simply could not drive in the go-ahead run. The Arkansas Travelers, however, decided 16 innings were enough, scoring two in the top of the 16th to win 4-2.

The story of the game was the return of Jeff Francis to the Drillers. The Colorado Rockies pitcher is rehabbing his throwing shoulder after missing the entire 2009 season.

Francis went 4.2 innings, giving up two runs and striking out three.

That would be all the Arkansas scoring for awhile as Drillers relievers combined to go 9.1 innings, giving up just two hits - that is until Cory Riordan entered the game.

After one harmless inning of work, Riordan gave up a single and the game-winning home run to Paul McAnulty in the top of the 16th, giving Taylor Wilding his first win.

Right fielder Ryan Harvey knocked in both runs for the Drillers with a double in the first inning, but failed to score in the subsequent 15 innings.