TEXAS LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (Double-A)
GAME #1
Tulsa Drillers 5
Midland RockHounds 3
LP – J.Naile
HR – J.Sportman
Prospect Of The Game:
Outfielder J.P. Sportman
(2 for 4 / Home Run / Double / 2 RBIs)
A big 4-run 2nd inning led Tulsa to victory over Midland in the first game of the best-of-five Texas League Championship Series on Tuesday. After getting through an efficient 1st inning on just 7 pitches, starter James Naile surrendered 4 runs in the 2nd to put the Hounds in an early hole. He gave up another run in the 6th and ended up allowing 5 runs on 10 hits over 6 innings of work to suffer the loss. RHP Sam Bragg tossed 2 scoreless frames in relief, and RHP Nolan Blackwood pitched a perfect 9th in his Midland debut. Center fielder J.P. Sportman had a big game at the plate, slugging a 2-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the 3rd to bring his team back within a run. He then doubled with one out in the 8th but was left stranded. Shortstop Jorge Mateo singled, walked twice, stole a base and scored a run, and designated hitter Jermaine Curtis had a pair of hits and drove in a run for the RockHounds. Blackwood and outfielder Skye Bolt both joined the RockHounds postseason roster from Stockton, while RHP Aaron Kurcz, who’s been dealing with a blister issue, and LHP A.J. Puk, who experienced some forearm discomfort in his last start, were reassigned to Stockton’s roster. Meanwhile, RHP Grant Holmes is set to take the mound for Midland in Game #2 on Wednesday. Midland RockHounds Postseason Roster
Wednesday’s Game:
Tulsa @ Midland (Championship Game #2) – 4:30pm PT / 6:30pm CT
Vermont @ Hudson Valley (Championship Game #1) – 3:35pm PT / 6:35pm ET
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