Drillers Back Home To Host Midland and Frisco

The Tulsa Drillers return to ONEOK Field on Wednesday, May 22 to begin a six-game homestand that will run through Memorial Day on May 27. For the first time this season, Tulsa will face the Midland RockHounds and the Frisco RoughRiders. Both teams are members of the Texas League South Division.

The Drillers will play a three-game series with the RockHounds (Oakland Athletics) May 22-24, followed by another three-game set against the RoughRiders (Texas Rangers) May 25-27. 

All games in the homestand will begin at 7:05PM except for the homestand finale on Memorial Day, Monday May 27, which will have an afternoon start time of 1:05PM.

The promotions schedule will include a pair of Fireworks Shows with displays following the games on Friday, May 24 and Sunday, May 26. 

Other highlights will include an appearance by the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales on College Rivalry Night on Thursday, May 23. In addition, several former TU, OU and OSU stars will be in attendance to visit with fans and sign autographs.

On Saturday, May 25, the first 1,500 fans will receive R.A. Dickey Garden Gnomes. Dickey, an ex-Drillers pitcher, won the National League Cy Young Award last season.

A complete list of promotions for the homestand is below.

Individual tickets for all six games are currently available online at TulsaDrillers.com, in person at the ONEOK Field Ticket Office (201 N. Elgin Avenue) or over the phone by calling (918) 744-5901.

No Place Like Home: The Drillers are 13-10 at home this season, as opposed to 7-13 on the road.   The home mark includes a 7-1 record at ONEOK Field in games decided by a single run.   

Nina at ONEOK: Infielder Angelys Nina has enjoyed ONEOK Field this season. In 21 home games, Nina is hitting .398 with 9 extra-base hits and 10 runs batted in. He has hit safely in 10 of his last 12 home games.

Gustafson Shines: May has been a good month for starting pitcher Tim Gustafson. In three starts this month, Gustafson is 2-1 with 0.47 ERA after going 0-2 with a 9.47 ERA in April. In 19 innings during May, he has limited opponents to a .227 batting average.

Shining in the Field: In games through May 20, Kent Matthes was leading all Texas League outfielders with 8 assists.

Top Prospects:  The Frisco RoughRiders feature three of the top 20 prospects in the Texas Rangers farm system according to MLB.com, all pitchers. They include SP Martin Perez (#6), RP Wilmer Font (#7), and RP Roman Mendez (#14). So far, the relievers have fared much better this season. Font has recorded a 1.93 ERA with six saves and 26 strikeouts in only 19 innings. Mendez has also been impressive, posting a 0.45 ERA over 20 innings with 21 strikeouts and a 0.65 WHIP.

Midland RockHounds third baseman Miles Head is ranked the #9 prospect in the Oakland A's system by MLB.com. It has been a tough start to the season for Head, who was the A's Organizational Player of the Year in 2012, hitting only .197 through his first 36 games. The RockHounds roster also features three other top 20 prospects, including SP Arnold Leon (#16), C Beau Taylor (#17), and 3B Jefry Marte (#20).

TULSA DRILLERS SCHEDULE/PROMOTIONS (May 22-27)

Wednesday, May 22. . . Midland RockHounds (7:05PM) - Gates Open at 6:00PM
BARK IN THE PARK
Dog owners can enjoy the game with their canine friends in the Primeaux Kia Lawn areas courtesy of City Vet Hospital, Animal Aid of Tulsa and 94.1 The Sound. All dogs with proof of up-to-date vaccinations will gain free admission. Fans with dogs should enter the park through either the Oil Derrick or Arvest Entrances.

Thursday, May 23. . . Midland RockHounds (7:05PM) - Gates Open at 6:00PM
THIRSTY THURSDAY / BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES
It's another Thirsty Thursday with 12 ounce servings of Budweiser and Bud Light and 16 ounce servings of Pepsi on sale for only $1 each. Fans will also have the chance to see the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales Team. The Clydesdales will be available for photos along Elgin Avenue from 6:00-6:30PM.
COLLEGE RIVALRY NIGHT
It's also time to show your university pride on College Rivalry Night, presented by Chris Nikel, Fox 23 and AM 1430 The Buzz! A number of former TU, OU and OSU stars will be in attendance to visit with fans and sign autographs. Attendees are expected to include former NFL stars Rusty Hilger (OSU) and Steve August (TU).

Friday, May 24. . . Midland RockHounds (7:05PM) - Gates Open at 6:00PM
NEWS ON 6 FRIDAY NIGHT FIREWORKS
Following the game, we open the weekend with a News on 6 Friday Night Fireworks Show compliments of Don Carlton Honda and 98.5 KVOO. Fans can also see the latest CNG vehicles from Honda. Vehicles will be on display throughout the stadium concourse. 

Saturday, May 25. . . Frisco RoughRiders (7:05PM) - Gates Open at 6:00PM
TULSA'S CHANNEL 8 GRAND SLAM SATURDAY / RA DICKEY GARDEN GNOMES / 50 CENT HOT DOGS
The first 1,500 fans to enter the stadium through the Oil Derrick and Arvest Entrances with a paid admission will receive R.A. Dickey garden gnomes compliments of the Alzheimer's Association of Tulsa and Montereau. Dickey, a former Drillers pitcher, was the 2012 National League Cy Young Award winner.
Prior to the game, the Drillers will attempt to set world record for most first pitches. Activities will start at midnight Saturday morning with all proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer's Association.
The Drillers will also wear special pink jerseys with several jerseys being auctioned to aid the Alzheimer's Association.
Lastly, it is a 50 Cent Hot Dog night with the delicious ONEOK Field hot dogs on sale for only 50 cents each throughout the game.  

Sunday, May 26. . . Frisco RoughRiders (7:05PM) - Gates Open at 6:00PM
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FIREWORKS
What better a way to celebrate the holiday than to come out to ONEOK Field, take in a Drillers game, and enjoy a special Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks show presented by River Spirit Casino, 2 Works for You and K95.5 FM.
DINGER APPEARANCE
Dinger, everyone's favorite purple dinosaur and the official mascot of the Colorado Rockies, will be in attendance to entertain fans throughout the game.  

Monday, May 27. . . Frisco RoughRiders (1:05PM) - Gates Open at 12:00PM
MEMORIAL DAY BASEBALL
The Drillers will conclude the homestand and the holiday weekend with afternoon baseball at ONEOK Field presented by La Preciosa101.5FM.