With an 11-run outburst, the Drillers made it clear from the opening frame that they were in control. Jake Gelof led the charge, his three-run shot in the first inning a signal flare for what was to come. The rookie now has 18 home runs through just 86 games — a number he reached in 94 games last year.
The Drillers’ offense didn’t slow down. Tulsa added five more runs by the end of the third, building an early lead that would withstand a late rally from the Naturals. By the time the game ended, 12 RBI had been recorded, with José Izarra and Frank Rodriguez combining for half of them.
Triple-A struggles continue for Comets
The Triple-A battle between the Aviators and the Comets was a walk-heavy affair — 26 total issued by both sides — and OKC came up short despite the generosity on the plate. Zach Ehrhard capitalized most, reaching safely five of six times, including a pair of hits and three walks.
José Rodríguez was tagged with the loss after struggling through 1.1 innings, giving up two earned runs and four walks. His outing was emblematic of the broader issue: the Comets failed to respond late, leaving 15 runners stranded.
Great Lakes and Ontario both show fight
At Great Lakes, Charles Davalan carried the Loons with a 17th home run of the season — the only extra-base hit they’d manage. Starter Isaac Ayon wasn’t as fortunate, surrendering two long balls and four earned runs in a losing effort.
The Ontario Tower Buzzers took a different path to victory. With five hits in 12 at-bats with a runner in scoring position, they staged a walk-off win in the ninth. Mairoshendrick Martinus drove in the tying run and later scored the winner on a wild pitch. Easton Shelton, despite three strikeouts, delivered the walk-off RBI — now six shy of 100 in 2026.
Tulsa remains the top offensive story
The Drillers’ first baseman broke through a 11-game home run drought, sending a ball over the wall against starter Felix Arronde. With the team scoring eight in the first four innings, the lead proved secure despite the late scare from the Naturals’ six-run seventh.
Carson Hobbs came on in the ninth and locked it down with two innings of hitless, five-strikeout work, earning the save and giving manager Mike Sirota a solid performance to end a strong night for the Drillers.
Meanwhile, the system’s other teams continue their climb: Great Lakes lost, Ontario won. The Tower Buzzers’ lineup had all nine players reach base, with eight managing at least one hit. Starter Joel Cruz and reliever Dailoui Abad both pitched well, with the latter getting the final seven outs for the win.
In the minors’ movement, Jaron Elkins was promoted from Ontario to Great Lakes, and Zach Root moved up to Tulsa. The Loons also activated catcher Gio Cueto from the injured list, signaling some stability in the back office.