Drillers Complete Sweep
Tulsa closer Andrew Johnston allowed an unearned ninth-inning run, when Daniel Mayora allowed the game to continue, after mishandling Pete Kozma's two-out ground ball to short. Pinch-hitter Tyler Henley singled home a run to make it a two-run game at 5-3, but Johnston recovered to strike out Antone DeJesus with the tying runs aboard, earning his league-best 25th save of the year.
Cards' starter Trey Hearne endured his second straight loss, after winning nine consecutive decisions.
The Cards spotted Hearne an early 2-0 lead, getting to Tulsa starter Samuel Dedeno for a pair in the first inning. Steven Hill's sac fly brought home Donovan Solano, making it a 1-0 game. Andrew Brown followed with an RBI single, plating Shane Peterson for a 2-0 lead.
After giving up a lead-off triple to Mike Folli in the second, Deduno settled in. Not only did he strand Folli at third, but he'd go on to retire 15 straight hitters.
The Drillers broke through on Hearne, scoring three in the fourth to take the lead for good. An RBI groundout by Jeff Kindel scored Darin Holcomb from third to make it 2-1. With the bases empty and two outs, Hearne gave up three straight hits, including a two-run double to Cole Garner, which put Tulsa in front at 3-2.
Holcomb brought home Anthony Jackson with an RBI double in the fifth, making it 4-2.
Hearne (10-3) would work through the sixth, giving up four runs on seven hits.
Sam Freeman surrendered a pinch-hit homer to Brad Corley in the seventh, as Tulsa took a 5-2 advantage.
Deduno (9-2) won his third straight start, allowing just two runs on four hits over seven innings.
The Cards (13-13, 51-45) look to end the four-game losing streak on Friday night, sending Brandon Dickson (6-6) to the hill against Northwest Arkansas lefty Everett Teaford (3-3).
Don't forget that Troy Glaus is expected to join the Springfield Cardinals on Friday night, as he continues to work his way back to St. Louis, after off-season shoulder surgery.
Fans will also enjoy an AM Pyrotechnics Friday Night Fireworks Display after the game. Game time is 7:10pm and gates open at 6:10pm. Tickets are available by calling (417) 863-2143 or online at springfieldcardinals.com.