Tulsa Drillers take lead in Texas Championship series

The Drillers and Raptors each played in playoff games on Friday night, both resulting in victories.

Double-A Tulsa

The Drillers took the Texas Championship series lead on Friday with a 2-0 victory over the Amarillo Sod Poodles.

The team was led by winning pitcher, Markus Solbach. The 28-year-old righty threw eight scoreless innings and only let four hits get past him while dealing six strikeouts. It’s the first time he’s finished eight full frames, only coming close earlier this month when he pitched 7 ²⁄₃ innings in Corpus Christi.

Connor Wong led the offense, driving in the only two runs of the night with a homer. Donovan Casey also had a good night, mashing the most hits of the night, going 2-for-3.

The Drillers are one win away from taking home the championship, getting a chance at taking the victory on Saturday.

Advanced Rookie Ogden

The Raptors also won on Friday, taking a 1-0 lead in the Pioneer League Championship series. The score was 5-3 in favor of Ogden, but a combine total of five runs were scored from a fielder’s choice or error.

Catcher Ramon Rodriguez had a good night, going 3-for-4. Ismael Alcantara, however, was the only Raptors player to get an RBI via a hit. He doubled in the fourth inning to start the scoring on their side ahead of the comeback.

Corey Merrill earned the win for his 3-inning appearance beginning in the fourth. He was nearly perfect, with his only blemish being that he allowed one walk. He impressed, too, with the seven strikeouts he dealt out. Nick Robertson earned the save for his perfect ninth inning.

Transactions

• Tulsa Drillers placed RHP Stetson Allie on the 7-day injured list
• Tulsa Drillers activated RHP Yordy Cabrera from the 7-day injured list

Friday scores

Tulsa 2, Amarillo 0

Ogden 5, Idaho Falls 3

Saturday schedule

5:05 p.m. PT: Tulsa (TBD) vs. Amarillo (TBD)

5:30 p.m.: Ogden (TBD) vs. Idaho Falls (TBD)