Tulsa Drops Game One in Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, TX – The Tulsa Drillers pitching staff has been lighting up the Texas League this season, but that was not the case on Tuesday night as the Corpus Christi Hooks offense accomplished something that has happened just two other times this season. For the third time this season, the Drillers gave up at least seven runs in a 7-3 game one loss at Whataburger Field.

Tuesday marked the first game for the Drillers in Corpus Christi since the 2019 season and was the opener of a six-game set with the Hooks.

BOX SCORE

All of the Drillers offense came in the first inning as Jose Ramos gave Tulsa an early lead with a three-run homer.

Tulsa starting pitcher River Ryan also had a great start to his night as he kept the Hooks hitless through the first three innings but ran into trouble in the fourth. Following two walks, Quincy Hamilton tied the game with his three-run homer. A single from Chad Stevens gave Corpus Christi two more runs and a 5-3 lead.

In the fifth inning, the Hooks plated two more on Kenedy Corona’s two-RBI double to take a 7-3 lead.

The game remained scoreless over the next three innings as Jake Pilarski and Lael Lockhart combined to record the final ten outs, and Tulsa's offense earned just three hits after the first inning.

HIGHLIGHTS AND HAPPENINGS:

*All five of Tulsa's hits were recorded by just three batters, as Eddy Leonard and Ramos recorded two hits, and Jorbit Vivas earned one.

*Hooks pitcher Colton Gordon earned a four-inning save as he pitched the final four innings following five innings from starter Rhett Kouba.

*Houston Astros infielder José Altuve made a rehab appearance in the game. He finished 0-5 with one strikeout. Altuve is expected to make two more rehab starts for the Hooks.

*Before the game, the Drillers announced a series of roster moves. Outfielders Jonny DeLuca and Andy Pages were transferred to Oklahoma City, Yusniel Diaz was reinstated from the Injured List and Bryson Brigman was reinstated from the Development List. Pitcher Kevin Gowdy was also added from Extended Spring Training while pitcher Jack Little was placed on the Injured List.

UP NEXT:

The Drillers will continue their six-game series against the Hooks with game two on Wednesday night at Whataburger Field. The starting pitchers are scheduled to be:

Tulsa - RHP Emmet Sheehan (2-1, 2.17 ERA)

Corpus Christi - LHP Julio Robaina (1-3, 5.04 ERA)