Drillers Extend Hot Start with Series Win over Travelers

Tulsa improves to 11-4 on the season with third straight series victory

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:37pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in motion, with overlapping shapes and planes of color representing the dynamic action on the field.The Drillers' high-powered offense and resilient pitching staff have propelled their strong start to the season, setting the stage for an exciting run in the Texas League.Frisco Today

The Tulsa Drillers wrapped up their third straight series victory on Sunday afternoon with an 11-3 win over Arkansas at ONEOK Field. The Drillers have now won each of their first three series to open the season while recording an 11-4 overall record, their best start since 1996.

Why it matters

The Drillers' hot start has them atop the Texas League standings early in the season, building momentum as they look to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Their powerful offense and strong pitching have been on full display through the first three weeks.

The details

Zyhir Hope led the offensive charge, going 4-for-5 with a home run, three runs scored, and two RBIs. Jake Gelof also homered as part of a three-run third inning that gave the Drillers an early 4-0 lead. However, the win was not without its setbacks, as the Drillers lost second baseman Yeiner Fernandez and starting pitcher Luke Fox to apparent leg injuries.

  • The Drillers took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning.
  • Tulsa plated three more runs in the third inning to extend their advantage to 4-0.
  • The Drillers added another run in the fifth inning to make it 5-1.
  • Tulsa put the game away with a four-run sixth inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from Hope.
  • The Drillers tacked on two more runs in the eighth inning for the final 11-3 margin.

The players

Zyhir Hope

The number 2 prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers minor league system according to MLB Pipeline, went 4-for-5 with a home run, three runs scored, and two RBIs.

Jake Gelof

The infielder belted a two-run homer in the third inning as part of a big three-game stretch, going 6-for-10 with a game-winning, walk-off homer on Friday.

Luke Fox

The Drillers' starting pitcher cruised through the first four innings, allowing just one hit and striking out six, before departing with a leg injury.

Yeiner Fernandez

The Drillers' second baseman had to leave the game with an apparent leg injury after trying to track down a fly ball in the third inning.

Maddux Bruns

The reliever took over for the injured Fox and kept the Travelers scoreless in the fifth inning to earn the win.

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What they’re saying

“The Drillers' hot start has them atop the Texas League standings early in the season, building momentum as they look to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019.”

— Tulsa Drillers

What’s next

The Drillers will be idle on Monday before beginning a six-game series in Frisco, Texas against the RoughRiders on Tuesday afternoon. Game time for the opener will be 12:05 p.m., with left-hander Adam Serwinowski expected to take the mound for Tulsa.

The takeaway

The Drillers' powerful offense and strong pitching have fueled their hot start, as they look to build on their early success and make a push for the playoffs in the competitive Texas League.