Diaz Outduels Weiser, Drillers
Weiser blanked the Travs through the first six innings on only four hits. With Tulsa leading 1-0, he retired the first two batters in the top of the seventh before surrendering a two-out double to Wil Ortiz. Nate Sutton followed with a soft liner just over second base that fell for a base hit that allowed Ortiz to score the game-tying run.
It stayed tied until the top of the ninth when the Travs scored without the benefit of a hit. Tulsa reliever Adam Bright issued a pair of walks that put runners at first and second with one out. After a wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position, Tommy Baumgardner came on for Bright. Baumgardner retired catcher Flint Wipke on a liner into left field, but the drive was deep enough for Patrick Breen to tag and score the game-deciding run.
Weiser and Diaz both had shutouts going through the first four innings. The Drillers finally broke through in the bottom of the fifth for the game's first run. Daniel Carte drew a leadoff walk, and Michael Paulk advanced him to third with a double. Daniel Mayora plated Carte with a sacrifice fly.
The outing continued a strong first month of the season for Weiser. He surrendered six hits and one run in 6 1/3 innings. He did not walk a batter while striking out six. The outing lowered his season ERA to 2.74.
Diaz was also impressive. He allowed only the one run on four hits. The right-hander walked two batters and struck out three.
Chad Blackwell (1-0) earned his first win of the season with a perfect eighth inning in relief of Diaz. David Herndon picked up his third save with a scoreless ninth inning.
Tulsa and Arkansas will continue their series Wednesday night at Drillers Stadium. The match up will feature Esmil Rogers (0-1, 5.14 ERA) on the mound for the Drillers against Mike Anton (0-2, 4.80 ERA) of the Travelers. Starting time is scheduled for 7:05PM.