Baseball

Drillers Edge Past Naturals to Capture First‑Half Crown

A ninth‑inning rally and an unusual double play decide a 5‑4 victory

The Tulsa Drillers clinched the Texas League North Division first‑half title on Tuesday, edging the Northwest Arkansas Naturals 5‑4 in a game that swung in the final frame.

A three‑run burst in the top of the ninth gave Tulsa the lead, with Chris Newell going 3‑for‑3 and adding two homers, three runs and two RBI to spark the rally.

A Record‑Setting Night on the Bases

Northwest Arkansas set a single‑game franchise record with ten stolen bases without a single caught base, a feat that underscored the team's aggressive baserunning.

Jack Pineda, who entered the game with a .367 average, contributed three homers, 18 RBI and 13 steals in 41 appearances, highlighting a standout season for the Naturals.

The finish was marked by an unorthodox double play that involved Drillers first baseman Joe Vetrano in a rare tag‑out sequence that left fans buzzing.

Looking ahead, the Naturals will travel to face the Springfield Cardinals next week before returning home for a series against Corpus Christi, while Tulsa aims to carry the momentum into the second half of the season.

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