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Late Drama, But ... Tulsa Holds On, 5-3

September 14, 2021

Tulsa Drillers 5, RockHounds 3 Tuesday, September 14, 2021 Momentum Bank Ballpark The RockHounds made things interesting, to say the least, but the Tulsa Drillers held on for a 5-3 win in the opener of a six-game series Tuesday night at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Trailing, 5-0, going into the last

Tulsa Drillers 5, RockHounds 3

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Momentum Bank Ballpark

The RockHounds made things interesting, to say the least, but the Tulsa Drillers held on for a 5-3 win in the opener of a six-game series Tuesday night at Momentum Bank Ballpark.

Trailing, 5-0, going into the last of the ninth, the ‘Hounds got back back-to-back home runs from Jake Suddleson and Edwin Diaz, cutting the lead to 5-3 and had the tying run at the plate when the “baseball clock” struck midnight.

Tulsa scored single runs in the second and third to take the early lead, with the latter coming by way of an inside-the-park home run. James Outman sent a drive to the deepest recess of the power alley in right-center and Devin Foyle made a sensational effort to make the catch, crashing into the outfield wall. When the ball eluded Foyle’s glove, it gave Outman time to come all the way for the inside-the-park round-tripper.

The Tulsa lead was still 2-0 when the Drillers loaded the bases with no outs in the eighth against reliever Eric Mariñez and Ryan Noda (see “Kibbles & Bits,” below) cleared the bases with a three-run double to right-center. The three runs appeared to be icing on the cake at the time, but Noda’s swing would turn out to be the difference in the game.

JJ Schwarz drew a walk to open the ninth and, one out later, Suddleson drove a two-run home run onto the batter’s eye in centerfield. Diaz followed with a monster solo homer, a drive that cleared the tall grass berm in left field on the fly. It was as impressive (if not more so) than any home run at Rocky Town this season.

Tulsa shortstop Jacob Amaya made the defensive play of the game, snagging Kyle McCann’s live drive with a tremendous, leaping grab. Chase Calabuig then singled up the middle, but Amaya’s play meant it was one man on base with two out instead of two on with one away. Max Schuemann then flew out to right field to end the game.

Kibbles & Bits

Tulsa is part of a four-way race for the second playoff spot in the Double-A Central, with the Drillers, Frisco, Arkansas, and Northwest Arkansas separated by just two games with five games remaining in the regular season.

Tulsa’s Ryan Noda took over the RBI lead in the Double-A Central with his (game-winning) three-run double. He now leads the league in both home runs (29) and RBI (76).

Next Game: Wednesday, September 15

RockHounds vs. Tulsa Drillers

Second of a six-game series and of a six-game homestand

First Pitch at 6:30

Half-Price Hot Dogs … Sponsored by Graham Pharmacy

& Bark in the Park Night (All Hounds welcome)! ... Sponsored by Camp Bow Wow

Probable Starters

TUL Clayton Beeter (RH, 0-2, 3.86)

RH Ty Damron (LH, 2-7, 6.06)

The Final Homestand of the 2021 Season at Rocky Town!

The RockHounds host the Tulsa Drillers Wednesday through Sunday at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Highlights include:

Thirsty Thursday (September 16), RockHounds Cap Night (Friday, September 17) and Saturday night fireworks (September 18).