Catching Up With Daniel Mayora

In only his ninth game with the Tulsa Drillers, Daniel Mayora provided the perfect ending for a game - a pinch-hit, walk-off home run. With Tulsa trailing 5-4 Saturday night and the tying run at first base, Mayora worked a full count against Corpus Christi closer Paul Estrada. The 23-year-old native of Venezuela hit the 3-2 pitch into the net just above the left field wall to complete a three-run comeback and give the Drillers a dramatic 6-5 win.

It was only the third pinch-hitting appearance of Mayora's professional career. He had struck out and walked in his previous two pinch-hit at-bats.

TulsaDrillers.com caught up with Daniel prior to Sunday's game against the San Antonio Missions.

Q: What was your mindset coming to the plate in that situation as a pinch-hitter?
A: I was just ready, and I was waiting on that pitch. The pitcher, he pitched in Venezuela and threw a lot of breaking balls. He threw three fastballs in a row, and I was just waiting for that breaking ball.

Q: Bottom of the 9th. Full count. Is there a better way to hit a walk-off?
A: I just tried for good contact. Everyone was just saying 'Mayora, Mayora.' The guys were just saying it's OK. It's right there and you gotta swing.

Q: How hard is it to come off the bench in that situation?
A: I was just ready for the situation. I tried to swing to finish the game. You have to swing or strike out.

Q: Can we count on you for that every night?
A: It's baseball man. (He said with a smile)

Q: What was better? Your very first home run or this game-winner?
A: Last night (Saturday) was special. It's like a dream come true.