SPRINGDALE, Arkansas — Sunday afternoon’s game at Northwest Arkansas was the last for Ryan Garko as the Tulsa Drillers’ manager.

Garko informed his team after Saturday night’s win that he was resigning to become the University of the Pacific’s head coach in Stockton, California.

His finale wasn’t the way he wanted it to end, however. Drillers closer Corey Copping blew a three-run lead in the ninth inning and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals came away with an 8-7 win at Arvest Ballpark.

The Drillers had been 39-0 this year when leading after eight innings. After the Naturals tied the game, Garko’s last move as manager was calling in outfielder Blake Gailen to replace Copping, who had reached his pitch limit for an inning (33). Anderson Miller then lined Gailen’s first pitch for a walkoff double. Gailen had not pitched since he was a two-way player at the start of his pro career in 2007-08.

“With some of the roster moves we’ve been making, we got caught a little short,” Garko said. “Its unfortunate Copp just didn’t have it today, but we’re not going to have him get hurt. He’s got a bright future.

“It’s hard saying goodbye to them. I made a lot of good friendships with the Dodger family and Drillers.”