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Midland Sweeps Tulsa 9-0 

In a game that started 1 hour and 34 minutes late due to delays caused by lightning and rain, the Drillers probably wish it would have just been rained out. When play began, the Rockhounds took the lead early and never looked back as they completed the three game sweep of the Drillers with a 9-0 victory Thursday night at Security Bank Ballpark.

 

Tulsa is looking forward to the month of May being in their rearview mirror. The Drillers went a respectable 12-8 during the month of April but have seen things go south ever since the calendar turned. Between dodging constant rain, losing several of their top hitters to promotions, and being on the road for the majority of the month, Tulsa has gone just 7-16 in May, losing 9 of their last 13 games.

 

Although Tulsa's offense has been struggling all month, the pitching has generally been solid. But that was not the case Thursday from the start. Starter Mickey Storey struggled in his first outing for Tulsa as he went just three innings, giving up 3 hits and 4 walks while allowing two runs. Storey had recently been assigned to the Drillers after being freshly signed as a free agent.

 

The Drillers pitching staff struggled with their command all night as they issued a season high 10 walks during the ballgame. Somehow, the Tulsa hurlers were able to pitch their way around them as only one of the Rockhounds who walked came around to score until things fell apart in the seventh inning.

 

In comparison, Midland starter Nate Long was on top of his game once again as he went seven innings without giving up a run. He allowed just 4 hits while not allowing a Drillers runner to even reach third base during his time on the hill, picking up his third win of the season.

 

After falling behind to Tulsa in the first two games of the series, Midland took the lead right away Thursday night. Leading off the home half of the first, Chad Oberacker cracked a double off Storey. But Storey retired the next two hitters before giving up a two-out walk that extended the inning. Renato Nunez made it hurt as he reached on an infield single to score Oberacker and give the Rockhounds the early 1-0 lead.

 

The Rockhounds added runs in the fourth and the sixth innings before breaking out in the home half of the seventh.

 

Drillers reliever Chris Reed, making his first appearance with the Drillers since being sent down from Triple-A Oklahoma City, had a rough night. The left-hander gave up 2 hits and 3 walks in 1.1 innings before exiting with the bases loaded. Fellow southpaw Mike Thomas came in but was unable to put out the fire. Carson Blair continued his hot series against the Drillers as he knocked a bases-loaded double to clear the bases and give the Rockhounds a commanding 7-0 advantage.

 

Midland would then launch back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning to bring the final margin to 9-0.

 

The Drillers will look to rebound in Frisco Friday night as Jose De Leon (0-1, 4.50 ERA) will get his second Double-A start. He will be opposed by Frank Lopez (1-0, 0.00 ERA) for the Roughriders who will also be making his second Double-A appearance. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05PM.


 

BOXSCORE 


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TULSA DRILLERS vs.
Midland
RockHounds

 
Tuesday, June 2
 
2 Works For You
$2 Tuesday!
    

 

7:05 PM

ONEOK Field

201 N. Elgin Ave.

918-744-5901

 

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