San Antonio, TX - The Tulsa Drillers entered Saturday's game looking to grab their second consecutive win against the Texas League's top team. But San Antonio Missions starter Enyel De Los Santos stood in their way, as the Drillers fell 3-1. De Los Santos pitched the first seven and a
San Antonio, TX - The Tulsa Drillers entered Saturday's game looking to grab their second consecutive win against the Texas League's top team. But San Antonio Missions starter Enyel De Los Santos stood in their way, as the Drillers fell 3-1. De Los Santos pitched the first seven and a third innings without allowing a hit.
The Missions struck first early in the game to get the scoring started. In the bottom of the first, Tulsa starter Yadier Álvarez got two quick ground ball outs to start the inning, and then walked Nick Torres. Ty France then knocked him in with a double to put the Missions on top 1-0.
Walks hurt Alvarez again in the bottom of the fifth. Alberth Martinez led the inning off with a free pass, and then Alvarez stuck out De Los Santos. Luis Urías then drew a walk, and then Alvarez got Javier Guerra to strike out on three pitches. Nick Torres would then deliver the two-out single that plated two, and extended the Missions lead to 3-0.
Alvarez got the last out of the fifth, and that was the end of his night. He pitched five innings, gave up three runs on two hits, while walking six and striking out three.
With one out in the top of the seventh, frustration started to boil over for Tulsa as they had yet to record a hit. Errol Robinson took a called third strike for the second out of the inning, and was ejected by home plate umpire Justin Robinson for arguing balls and strikes. Matt Beaty then flew out to end the inning.
De Los Santos went in to the top of the eighth having faced the minimum, and had allowed only one Tulsa base runner. He struck out Yusniel Díaz to start the frame, and then gave up his second walk of the game to Blake Gailen.
Erick Mejia then put a stop to the no-hit bid by slashing his 12th double of the season. With runners at second and third, Johan Mieses hit a sacrifice fly to plate Gailen and to put the Drillers on the board 3-1.
After throwing eight well-pitched innings, De Los Santos' night came to an end. He gave up only one run on one hit, while striking out seven Drillers.
San Antonio would threaten again in the bottom of the eighth. Luis Ysla was in for his second inning of work, and started the inning by walking three of the first four Missions he faced to load the bases. He then escaped with no damage, as he got Martinez to ground into a double play to end the inning.
Eric Yardley came in the top of the ninth looking to get a save and preserve the win for San Antonio. He got two quick outs, and then Kyle Garlick singled to give the Drillers a base runner. Beaty then doubled to put the go-ahead run at the plate. But the rally was not meant to be, as Diaz grounded out to end the game, securing the 3-1 win for San Antonio.
Tulsa will look to grab the series win in the rubber-game on Sunday night. Dennis Santana (1-0, 5.28 ERA) will take the mound for the Drillers and will face Brett Kennedy (11-6, 3.74 ERA) of the Missions. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM in San Antonio.
