Sod Poodles Take Season Opener Over Drillers

Tuesday, May 4, 2021 @ Tulsa Drillers [LAD]

Amarillo Sod Poodles (1-0) | Tulsa Drillers (0-1)

AMARILLO, Texas – The Sod Poodles triumphed over the Tulsa Drillers in the 2021 season opener, taking the first game 4-3 at ONEOK Field. Amarillo collected 11 hits in the one-run affair, highlighted by Dominic Miroglio's extra-base hit performance (2-for-4, HR, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI) and five-hit bid by Soddies arms.

After the first inning with initial hits of the game and 2021 season off the bats of Alek Thomas and Dominic Fletcher, D-backs No. 3 and 15 prospects respectively, the Soddies offense continued the rhythm into the second. With one out, Miroglio doubled to left field and was brought around to break the game open on Jancarlos Cintron's single to make it a 1-0 contest.

After Tulsa's Ryan Noda evened the game with a solo home run on the first pitch by Mejia in the bottom half of the second, the Sod Poodles answered back in the fourth with another two runs to extend back out to 3-1. After a single by Ryder Jones, Miroglio sent a ball deep to left field, marking the first home run for the 2021 Sod Poodles.

In the Drillers fourth and fifth frames, Tulsa came back with solo runs in each half, one sparked by Jeren Kendall's triple and a home run by Jacob Amaya.

Following a missed opportunity in the Soddies sixth by stranding two runners in scoring position, the momentum yet again continued after Thomas added his second hit of the evening, a leadoff double to right-center field. After a fielder's choice groundball off the bat of Geraldo Perdomo and an error on the play to put runners on the corners, Jake McCarthy singled to give Amarillo a late and final 4-3 advantage.

Mejia finished his night after five innings of four-hit, three-run ball with two walks allowed and six strikeouts, getting the no-decision. Luis Castillo made Amarillo's first appearance out of the bullpen and tossed one inning. Chester Pimentel (H, 1) and Junior Garcia (S, 1) combined for three perfect innings to end game one in Tulsa.

The Sod Poodles continue their six-game series with game two against the Drillers tomorrow at ONEOK Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

NOTES:

Tomorrow's Preview: The Sod Poodles head into game two of the 2021 season against the Los Angeles' Dodgers Double-A affiliate, the Tulsa Drillers, on Wednesday evening at ONEOK Field. Southpaw Tommy Henry will take the mound tomorrow for the Sod Poodles and will face off against Drillers righty Andre Jackson. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. in Tulsa, OK.

Back-to-Back: Although 597 days apart, the Sod Poodles have technically won back-to-back games against and in Tulsa. On September 15, 2019, the Sod Poodles won in comeback fashion to take the Texas League title at ONEOK Field. Then, 597 days later, Amarillo returned to Tulsa and triumphed in a 4-3 win in the season opener.

MiROLLin: Dominic Mirogliogot off to a hot start in the 2021 season opener in Tulsa on Tuesday night. As the Soddies designated hitter, Miroglio went 2-for-4, adding Amarillo's first extra-base hits to the column - a double and a home run. The California native batted .233 with two home runs in 2019.

Mejia's First Start of 2021: The D-backs No. 29 prospect Humberto Mejia, allowed four hits (2 solo HR), three runs, two walks, and six strikeouts through five innings of work in Tulsa in the season opener. Mejia received a no-decision.

Lights Out: Soddies arms combined to only allow five Drillers hits. Four of the total were given up by starter Humberto Mejia while only one hit was allowed through four combined innings of relief by Luis Castillo, Chester Pimentel and Junior Garcia.

Been Awhile: In the 2021 season opener between Amarillo and Tulsa, both teams combined for a total of 30 strikeouts - 17 total by Amarillo and 13 by Tulsa.

First of the Season: The first hit of the 2021 Sod Poodles season came off the bat of D-backs No. 3 prospect Alek Thomas in the top of the first inning in Tulsa Tuesday night.

Raise the Roof: Sod Poodles manager Shawn Roof earned his first win in his Double-A manager debut. Roof is in his fourth season with the D-backs organization as a team manager. In 2019, he led Visalia to an 83-53 record and the franchise's first Cal League Championship since 1978. The Illinois native has earned the title of "Manager of the Year" the last two seasons (Visalia 2019, Hillsboro 2018).

Upcoming Series: The Sod Poodles head to Wichita following this week's series with Tulsa. The Soddies will match up against the Wind Surge for six games before heading back to Amarillo for their home opener on May 18 at HODGETOWN against Midland.