Tonight the Mat-Su Miners close out a pivotal series against Peninsula Oilers at Hermon Brothers Field. Last night, the Miners took advantage of four first inning Oiler errors, and plated two runs. After Tanner Rust (Fr./New Mexico St.) tied the game with a two-run single, the Miners responded by scoring runs in the 4th and 5th innings to go on and win the game 4-2. The Miners only had 4 hits in the game, but used strong pitching from starter David Gibson (Jr./Bluefield) and relievers Ben Graff (Fr./San Francisco), Ryan Dull (Jr./UNC-Asheville), and closer Brandon Hedrick (Jr./Union College). The Miners bullpen was able to protect the Miners lead and pitch four shutout innings to close the game.
Tonight, the Miners will turn to Jeff Gonzales (Fr./Washington). The UW righty has been tremendous since joining the Miners. So far this season, Gonzales has made three starts and has a gaudy earned run average of 1.65 during that stretch. The only blemish on his statistics with the Miners came during the Summer Solstice Showdown, when he had a rough inning. Despite that, Gonzales brings an ABL earned run average into the game tonight of 2.61.
Tonight's Game: Miners (8-3) vs. Oilers (7-2)
First-pitch: 7:00 p.m. from Hermon Brothers Field. The game closes out a seven-game home-stand for the Miners.
Media: Matt Dudas and Michael Broskowski call the action, beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the Mat-Su Miners Pre-Game Show. The game can be heard locally on Q99.7 and worldwide on www.matsuminers.org.
Pre-Game Guest: Michael Broskowski talks to Miners' catcher Mason Guymon.
Tomorrow: The Miners travel to Anchorage to begin a two-game series with the Glacier Pilots. First-pitch at Mulcahy Stadium is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
-Matt Dudas
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Game 16: Miners vs. Oilers, 7:00 p.m.
Tonight, the Mat-Su Miners play a critical second game of their three-game series against the Peninsula Oilers. Last night it was Jordan Mills shutting down the Miners offensive attack. The Green and Yellow struggled, producing only three hits, failed to have a baserunner reach third base following the first inning.
However, the Miners have responded well to games following losses this season. In the two prior instances, the Miners won both games. Last week the Miners fell behind 4-0 in the early innings against the Glacier Pilots, before battling back and winning the game 6-5. That type of resiliency will again be needed this evening, as they must win to have to force a rubber-match tomorrow night.
The Miners will hand the ball to LHP David Gibson (Jr./Bluefield) this evening. In Gibson's last appearance, he struck out eight and worked six innings allowing just one earned run. Gibson brings some impressive statistics into the game tonight. In 16 1/3 innings this year, he has struck out 18 and has held opponents to a batting average of just .193. Gibson brings a 1-0 record and an earned run average into the contest of 2.76.
Elsewhere in ABL last night, the Anchorage Bucs used a two-run twelfth inning to come back and beat the Glacier Pilots, 4-3. The Pilots tied the game on a hit by Keenyn Walker (So./Central Arizona) and took the lead in the twelfth when Walker went yard, only to see the Bucs win it in the bottom of the inning. The Bucs and Pilots meet again this evening, with the Pilots playing as the home team. In Fairbanks, the AIA Fire visit Goldpanners for a non-league contest. First-pitch from Growden Park is set for 7:00 p.m.
ABL Standings
Tonight's Game: Miners (7-3) vs. Oilers (7-1)
First-pitch: 7:00 p.m. from Hermon Brothers Field.
Media: Matt Dudas and Michael Broskowski call the action, beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the Mat-Su Miners Pre-Game Show. The game can be heard locally on Q99.7 and worldwide on www.matsuminers.org.
Pre-Game Guest: TBD
Tomorrow: The Miners close a seven-game home-stand, and a three-game series with the Oilers. First-pitch is again scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
However, the Miners have responded well to games following losses this season. In the two prior instances, the Miners won both games. Last week the Miners fell behind 4-0 in the early innings against the Glacier Pilots, before battling back and winning the game 6-5. That type of resiliency will again be needed this evening, as they must win to have to force a rubber-match tomorrow night.
The Miners will hand the ball to LHP David Gibson (Jr./Bluefield) this evening. In Gibson's last appearance, he struck out eight and worked six innings allowing just one earned run. Gibson brings some impressive statistics into the game tonight. In 16 1/3 innings this year, he has struck out 18 and has held opponents to a batting average of just .193. Gibson brings a 1-0 record and an earned run average into the contest of 2.76.
Elsewhere in ABL last night, the Anchorage Bucs used a two-run twelfth inning to come back and beat the Glacier Pilots, 4-3. The Pilots tied the game on a hit by Keenyn Walker (So./Central Arizona) and took the lead in the twelfth when Walker went yard, only to see the Bucs win it in the bottom of the inning. The Bucs and Pilots meet again this evening, with the Pilots playing as the home team. In Fairbanks, the AIA Fire visit Goldpanners for a non-league contest. First-pitch from Growden Park is set for 7:00 p.m.
ABL Standings
- Peninsula Oilers 7-1
- Mat-Su Miners 7-3
- Anchorage Bucs 4-3
- AIA Fire 5-7
- Anchorage Pilots 1-10
Tonight's Game: Miners (7-3) vs. Oilers (7-1)
First-pitch: 7:00 p.m. from Hermon Brothers Field.
Media: Matt Dudas and Michael Broskowski call the action, beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the Mat-Su Miners Pre-Game Show. The game can be heard locally on Q99.7 and worldwide on www.matsuminers.org.
Pre-Game Guest: TBD
Tomorrow: The Miners close a seven-game home-stand, and a three-game series with the Oilers. First-pitch is again scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Mills Stymies Miners
It was a showdown of the two top teams in the Alaska Baseball League at Hermon Brothers Field on Tuesday night. The Peninsula Oilers and the Matsu Miners would both be sending their aces to the mound. Jordan Mills (St. Marys) for the Oilers and Steven Bruce (Oklahoma) for the Miners. Jordan Mills stole the show pitching eight innings of scoreless baseball to pick up the win with a 5-0 Oilers victory.
Miners Started Steven Bruce entered play not allowing a run in 18.1 innings. That streak was on the line early as he loaded the bases with one out before notching back to back strike outs to escape the jam unharmed. Mills was in a jam of his own in the first inning as the Miners had runners on the corners with two outs. Mills was able to get out of the mess by striking out his college team mate and the Miners hottest hitter Nick Rosso (St. Marys).
Bruce's scoreless streak was broken in the top of the second when the Oilers had the bases loaded with one out and Manny Reyes (Western Illinois) scored and a wild pitch. The Oilers would get there second run of the game when Manny Acosta (Florida Tech) scored and another wild pitch.
The Oilers came back in the third and scored their third run of the ball game when Troy Channing (St. Marys) homered to left.
The Oilers would go on to score two more runs in the 7th inning to pad their lead to 5-0 and go on to win by the same score. Jordan Mills went on to win his second game of the season (2-1) while Steven Bruce lost his first game (2-1). The Miners where only able to collect three hits, one of those from Dominick Francia (UL-Lafayette) who extended his hitting streak to seven games. The Miners fall to 7-3 in Alaska Baseball League play.
The Miners return home tomorrow night for a 7pm game against the Peninsula Oilers for game 2 of the series at Hermon Brothers Field, with gates opening at 6pm.
Miners Started Steven Bruce entered play not allowing a run in 18.1 innings. That streak was on the line early as he loaded the bases with one out before notching back to back strike outs to escape the jam unharmed. Mills was in a jam of his own in the first inning as the Miners had runners on the corners with two outs. Mills was able to get out of the mess by striking out his college team mate and the Miners hottest hitter Nick Rosso (St. Marys).
Bruce's scoreless streak was broken in the top of the second when the Oilers had the bases loaded with one out and Manny Reyes (Western Illinois) scored and a wild pitch. The Oilers would get there second run of the game when Manny Acosta (Florida Tech) scored and another wild pitch.
The Oilers came back in the third and scored their third run of the ball game when Troy Channing (St. Marys) homered to left.
The Oilers would go on to score two more runs in the 7th inning to pad their lead to 5-0 and go on to win by the same score. Jordan Mills went on to win his second game of the season (2-1) while Steven Bruce lost his first game (2-1). The Miners where only able to collect three hits, one of those from Dominick Francia (UL-Lafayette) who extended his hitting streak to seven games. The Miners fall to 7-3 in Alaska Baseball League play.
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| Dominick Francia extended his hitting streak to 7 games |
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Game 15: Miners vs. Oilers, 7:00 p.m.
Tonight at Hermon Brothers Field, the Mat-Su Miners begin a crucial three-game series against the first-place Peninsula Oilers of Kenai. The Miners enter winners of 4 of 5, thanks to a series with the Glacier Pilots. The Oilers come in rolling. The Oilers are 6-1 in the ABL, and defeated the Bucs in 10 innings last night in Anchorage.
The Miners last played on Saturday night, when they used a two-run 8th inning hit from Adam Martin (Fr./Western Carolina) to defeat the Glacier Pilots, 3-1. The Miners were short-handed in the game, missing three-everyday players. Dominick Francia (Fr./Louis.-Laf.) missed the game with an illness, while Jaycob Brugman (Fr./BYU) missed because of a bone bruise from being hit by a pitch the night before. Tim Zier (Fr./San Diego St.) was forced to sit after a collision he had the night before at first base sent him to the hospital. All three are expected to return for tonight's game.
The pitching for the Miners continued its outstanding start, with Jeff Gonzales (Fr./Washington) going the first 6 innings Saturday. Gonzales left with a no-decision, but only allowed one unearned run. The bullpen was again sharp, with Jacob Brewer (Fr./Ball St.), Mark Anderson (So./BYU) and Matt Applegate (Jr./Kansas State) working the final three innings, combining to allow just one hit. Anderson picked up the win, with Applegate earning his first save of the season.
The Oilers enter surging, having won four straight. Last week, the Oilers took two from the Glacier Pilots before salvaging the final three-games of their four-game series with the Fire. Entering last night, the Oilers have hit .293 as a team in ABL play. They've been led by Mike Miller (RS Jr./Cal Poly-SLO), who in 20 at-bats has ten hits and 5 RBI. The pitching has been the story however, as the Oilers staff has a collective ERA of 1.55 in the first 58 innings of ABL play. As a staff, opponents are hitting just .195 against the Oilers.
In the series-opener, the Miners are expected to hand the baseball to Steven Bruce (Fr./Oklahoma). The Flower Mound, Texas native has been the ABL's best pitcher to this point. Bruce has began his career in Alaska without allowing a run in 18 1/3 innings pitched. Bruce last pitched on June 21st, when he went seven innings, scattering five hits and striking out eight hitters.
The Miners are scheduled to play the Oilers 9 times in 2011, with five of them slated for the friendly confines of Hermon Brothers Field. Early on, the Miners and Oilers have established themselves as the potential favorites in the ABL this year. They are the only teams at this stage that hold above-.500 records in league play. The Oilers enter in first-place based on percentage points.
Tonight's Game: Miners (7-2) vs. Oilers (6-1)
First-pitch: 7:00 p.m. at Hermon Brothers Field. It's sponsored by Advanced Pain Centers of Alaska and is also kids day at the ballpark.
Media: Matt Dudas and Michael Broskowski will call the action, beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the Mat-Su Miners Pre-Game Show. Fans can listen locally on Q99.7 and worldwide on www.matsuminers.org.
Pre-Game Guest: Michael Broskowski will sit down with first-year Miners skipper Brian Yocke.
-Matt Dudas
The Miners last played on Saturday night, when they used a two-run 8th inning hit from Adam Martin (Fr./Western Carolina) to defeat the Glacier Pilots, 3-1. The Miners were short-handed in the game, missing three-everyday players. Dominick Francia (Fr./Louis.-Laf.) missed the game with an illness, while Jaycob Brugman (Fr./BYU) missed because of a bone bruise from being hit by a pitch the night before. Tim Zier (Fr./San Diego St.) was forced to sit after a collision he had the night before at first base sent him to the hospital. All three are expected to return for tonight's game.
The pitching for the Miners continued its outstanding start, with Jeff Gonzales (Fr./Washington) going the first 6 innings Saturday. Gonzales left with a no-decision, but only allowed one unearned run. The bullpen was again sharp, with Jacob Brewer (Fr./Ball St.), Mark Anderson (So./BYU) and Matt Applegate (Jr./Kansas State) working the final three innings, combining to allow just one hit. Anderson picked up the win, with Applegate earning his first save of the season.
The Oilers enter surging, having won four straight. Last week, the Oilers took two from the Glacier Pilots before salvaging the final three-games of their four-game series with the Fire. Entering last night, the Oilers have hit .293 as a team in ABL play. They've been led by Mike Miller (RS Jr./Cal Poly-SLO), who in 20 at-bats has ten hits and 5 RBI. The pitching has been the story however, as the Oilers staff has a collective ERA of 1.55 in the first 58 innings of ABL play. As a staff, opponents are hitting just .195 against the Oilers.
In the series-opener, the Miners are expected to hand the baseball to Steven Bruce (Fr./Oklahoma). The Flower Mound, Texas native has been the ABL's best pitcher to this point. Bruce has began his career in Alaska without allowing a run in 18 1/3 innings pitched. Bruce last pitched on June 21st, when he went seven innings, scattering five hits and striking out eight hitters.
The Miners are scheduled to play the Oilers 9 times in 2011, with five of them slated for the friendly confines of Hermon Brothers Field. Early on, the Miners and Oilers have established themselves as the potential favorites in the ABL this year. They are the only teams at this stage that hold above-.500 records in league play. The Oilers enter in first-place based on percentage points.
Tonight's Game: Miners (7-2) vs. Oilers (6-1)
First-pitch: 7:00 p.m. at Hermon Brothers Field. It's sponsored by Advanced Pain Centers of Alaska and is also kids day at the ballpark.
Media: Matt Dudas and Michael Broskowski will call the action, beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the Mat-Su Miners Pre-Game Show. Fans can listen locally on Q99.7 and worldwide on www.matsuminers.org.
Pre-Game Guest: Michael Broskowski will sit down with first-year Miners skipper Brian Yocke.
-Matt Dudas
Monday, June 27, 2011
Perfect Game Top 25
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Game 14: Miners vs. Glacier Pilots, 7:00 p.m.
Tonight, the Mat-Su Miners complete a five-game series against the Anchorage Glacier Pilots. If the series has felt like it has gone forever, that's because it has. It began a week ago tonight, with the Summer Solstice Showdown. The Miners have won three-of-four so far in the series, entering tonight's finale.
Last night the Miners erased a four-run deficit, to avoid their first losing streak in 2011. However, it wasn't pretty early. The Pilots were able to get to Miners starting pitcher Brendan Lobban (Jr./St. John's) by scoring three early runs. The Pilots struck first when Cael Brockmeyer belted his first home-run of the season, of the left centerfield fence. After falling behind 4-0, the Miners would battle back thanks to a three-run third inning. Casey Coyle (Fr./Oklahoma) opened the scoring in the inning, with an RBI-double to right. One batter later, Stephen Branca (Jr./Tennessee/Wesleyan) ripped a two-run single to pull the home team within a run.
The Pilots would add another run in the 5th, but failed to break the game open after having the bases loaded and no outs. The Miners would capitalize on that by evening the score in the fifth. Cam Kneeland (Jr./Mass.-Lowell) launched a 400-foot RBI-double to dead center, and Jaycob Brugman (Fr./BYU) hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game in the 5th.
In the 6th, Miners' reliever Matt Applegate (Jr./Kansas St.) came on in a first and third one out situation. He used just one pitch to induce an inning-ending double play. In the home half of the inning the Miners took the lead for good on a Stephen Branca sacrifice fly, and his third RBI of the night. Brandon Hedrick (Jr./Union College) would later escape a jam in the ninth, to record his first save as a Miner.
Tonight, the Miners hand the ball to right-hander Jeff Gonzales (Fr./Washington). Gonzales' first ten-innings with the Miners were outstanding. It was his eleventh inning that got him into trouble. Gonzales threw six scoreless innings on June 12th vs. Lake Erie, and followed it up with four scoreless to begin his start vs. the Pilots on June 18th. However, Gonzales didn't make it out of the fifth inning and would go on to take a no-decision in the Miners 11-9 victory. In 10 1/3 innings pitched, Gonzales has an earned run average of 2.61. Opponents are hitting just .162 against Gonzales.
Tonight's Game: Miners (6-2) vs. Pilots (1-8)
First-pitch: 7:00 p.m. at Hermon Brothers Field. It's Geneva Woods Pharmacy Day at the ballpark.
Media: Matt Dudas and Michael Broskowski call the action, beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the Mat-Su Miners Pre-Game Show. The game can be heard locally on Q99.7 and worldwide on www.matsuminers.org.
Pre-Game Guest: Matt Dudas will talk to Miners RHP Matt Applegate.
-Matt Dudas
Last night the Miners erased a four-run deficit, to avoid their first losing streak in 2011. However, it wasn't pretty early. The Pilots were able to get to Miners starting pitcher Brendan Lobban (Jr./St. John's) by scoring three early runs. The Pilots struck first when Cael Brockmeyer belted his first home-run of the season, of the left centerfield fence. After falling behind 4-0, the Miners would battle back thanks to a three-run third inning. Casey Coyle (Fr./Oklahoma) opened the scoring in the inning, with an RBI-double to right. One batter later, Stephen Branca (Jr./Tennessee/Wesleyan) ripped a two-run single to pull the home team within a run.
The Pilots would add another run in the 5th, but failed to break the game open after having the bases loaded and no outs. The Miners would capitalize on that by evening the score in the fifth. Cam Kneeland (Jr./Mass.-Lowell) launched a 400-foot RBI-double to dead center, and Jaycob Brugman (Fr./BYU) hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game in the 5th.
In the 6th, Miners' reliever Matt Applegate (Jr./Kansas St.) came on in a first and third one out situation. He used just one pitch to induce an inning-ending double play. In the home half of the inning the Miners took the lead for good on a Stephen Branca sacrifice fly, and his third RBI of the night. Brandon Hedrick (Jr./Union College) would later escape a jam in the ninth, to record his first save as a Miner.
Tonight, the Miners hand the ball to right-hander Jeff Gonzales (Fr./Washington). Gonzales' first ten-innings with the Miners were outstanding. It was his eleventh inning that got him into trouble. Gonzales threw six scoreless innings on June 12th vs. Lake Erie, and followed it up with four scoreless to begin his start vs. the Pilots on June 18th. However, Gonzales didn't make it out of the fifth inning and would go on to take a no-decision in the Miners 11-9 victory. In 10 1/3 innings pitched, Gonzales has an earned run average of 2.61. Opponents are hitting just .162 against Gonzales.
Tonight's Game: Miners (6-2) vs. Pilots (1-8)
First-pitch: 7:00 p.m. at Hermon Brothers Field. It's Geneva Woods Pharmacy Day at the ballpark.
Media: Matt Dudas and Michael Broskowski call the action, beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the Mat-Su Miners Pre-Game Show. The game can be heard locally on Q99.7 and worldwide on www.matsuminers.org.
Pre-Game Guest: Matt Dudas will talk to Miners RHP Matt Applegate.
-Matt Dudas
Friday, June 24, 2011
Game 13: Miners vs. Glacier Pilots, 7:00 p.m.
Tonight the Miners will look to get back on track when they meet the Anchorage Glacier Pilots in game four of their five game series. Last night the Glacier Pilots used timely hits and solid pitching to defeat the Miners by a score of 7-0. The Miners had countless opportunities, but couldn’t find a big hit to get them on the board. It’s rare in baseball a team loses by seven runs but out-hits their opponent. Last night, that’s what happened. The Miners were able to scatter eight hits, but left a stunning fourteen runners on base.
The Miners received another quality outing from a starting pitcher, when David Gibson (Jr./Bluefield) turned in a start that saw him go six innings, allow one run, and strike out eight. That run came when Aaron Judge scored on a wild pitch in the fifth inning. Brock Simon (Fr./Santa Clara) and Neal Dennison (So./Georgetown) pitched in relief, combining to work the final three innings and allow six runs on five hits.
While the game last night was certainly frustrating, the positive to be taken away was that the Miners had opportunities. On June 16th, the Miners lost 3-1 to the AIA Fire. In that game the Miners only were able to have three hits, and just one of those hits came after the second inning. Last night, the Miners battled. In both the seventh and eighth innings the Miners had threats before stranding two base runners in each inning. At that point the game was still close, with the Pilots leading only 3-0. One hit in either of those innings, and the entire outlook of the game may have been different. But that’s baseball. The only other defeat the Miners had taken in ABL play to this point was last Thursday. The Miners responded great the following night, shutting out the Bucs 6-0. Hopefully for Miner fans, that resiliency will again be put on display this evening.
Tonight the Miners turn to St. John’s southpaw Brendan Lobban (0-2, 3.60 era). Lobban has made two prior appearances against the Pilots. On June 9th, Lobban pitched the 12th inning of an exhibition contest. Lobban surrendered a two-run single to Brady Hohl that later gave the Pilots the win. Including his college season, it was Lobban’s only relief appearance of 2011. A night later against the same Pilots, Lobban started the contest at Mulcahy Stadium, throwing four scoreless innings and allowing one hit before taking a no-decision.
Elsewhere in the ABL last night the Peninsula Oilers defeated the Athletes In Action Fire, 9-1. The teams meet again this evening down in Kenai at 7:00 p.m. The Anchorage Bucs will make the trek north to begin a non-league series in Fairbanks against the Goldpanners. First-pitch from Growden Memorial Park is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
ABL Standings
1. Peninsula Oilers 3-1
2. Mat-Su Miners 5-2
3. Anchorage Bucs 3-2
4. AIA Fire 5-5
5. Anchorage Pilots 1-7
Tonight’s Game: Miners (5-2) vs. Pilots (1-7)
First-pitch: 7:00 p.m. from Hermon Brothers Field. It’s Alaska USA Federal Credit Union Day at the ballpark.
Media: Matt Dudas and Michael Broskowski have the call beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the Mat-Su Miners Pre-Game Show. The game can be heard locally on Q99.7 and www.matsuminers.org.
Pre-Game Guest: TBA
Tomorrow: The Miners close out the series with Pilots, with a 7:00 p.m. game.
-Matt Dudas
Grunewald, Pilots Humble Miners Bat's
Baseball is a humbling game and that served true on thursday evening in Palmer. In front of a season high 802 fans at Hermon Brothers field, the Miners bats where held in check for the first time in three games. Entering Thursday nights affair with the Anchorage Glacier Pilots, the Miners where in the midst of a three game stretch that saw them rack up 42 hits, 21 runs and only gave up 9 runs. It looked like the Miners would be in for another night offense as they where scheduled to face Andy Grunewald (SO/Elgin CC) for the third time already in the young season. The past two times out against Grunewald the Miners put up a combined 6 runs off the lefty from Elgin Community College. The third time would be different, as Andy Grunewald and Miners starter David Gibson (JR/Bluefield) put on a pitching clinic for the first 6 innings. Gibson who made his third start of the year for the Miners and pitched a solid six innings allowing one run on two hits while striking out eight. Unfortunately the start by Gibson was shadowed by Grunewald's strong six and two thirds scoreless innings, scattering five hits.
The Glacier Pilots broke open the scoring in the 5th inning when Pilots outfielder Aaron Judge (FR/Fresno State) was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. After a sacrifice bunt by Adam Landecker (SO/USC), Judge stole third. Gibson would then go on to strikeout Trey Nielsen (FR/Utah) for a big second out but with Maxx Garrett (JR/Gonzaga) at the plate Gibson threw his first wild pitch of the game that scored Judge, and made it a 1-0 ball game.
That was the only run the Pilots would need although they did add 6 insurance runs. The Miners where able to collect eight hits but failed to come up with a big key hit and stranded 14 base runners in the loss.
The Miners fell to 7-4-1 and 5-2 in ABL play, while the Pilots won their first ABL game of the season and now sit at 4-11-1 and 1-7.
The Miners next game is tomorrow night at Hermon Brothers Field against the Anchorage Glacier Pilots at 7pm. The gates open at 6pm and it will be Alaska USA Federal Credit Union Day at the ballpark. Coverage will begin at 6:50 with the pre game show on istreamak.com, Matsuminers.org, and Q99.7
The Glacier Pilots broke open the scoring in the 5th inning when Pilots outfielder Aaron Judge (FR/Fresno State) was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. After a sacrifice bunt by Adam Landecker (SO/USC), Judge stole third. Gibson would then go on to strikeout Trey Nielsen (FR/Utah) for a big second out but with Maxx Garrett (JR/Gonzaga) at the plate Gibson threw his first wild pitch of the game that scored Judge, and made it a 1-0 ball game.
That was the only run the Pilots would need although they did add 6 insurance runs. The Miners where able to collect eight hits but failed to come up with a big key hit and stranded 14 base runners in the loss.
The Miners fell to 7-4-1 and 5-2 in ABL play, while the Pilots won their first ABL game of the season and now sit at 4-11-1 and 1-7.
The Miners next game is tomorrow night at Hermon Brothers Field against the Anchorage Glacier Pilots at 7pm. The gates open at 6pm and it will be Alaska USA Federal Credit Union Day at the ballpark. Coverage will begin at 6:50 with the pre game show on istreamak.com, Matsuminers.org, and Q99.7
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Game 12: Miners vs. Glacier Pilots, 7:00pm
Tonight the Miners continue a five-game series versus the Anchorage Glacier Pilots. The Miners enter playing their best baseball of 2011, having pitched three shutouts over the last six games. On the other side, the Pilots enter completely reeling, and have lost all seven games they have played in the ABL this season.
The Pilots struggles really begin offensively. Over the last two night, the team has only allowed six runs. However, the Pilots haven't had an RBI during those two games, and have only scored one run. It came last night when Brady Hohl stole home. The teams offensive numbers are just brutal to this point. As a team, the Pilots enter tonight hitting .221. The Pilots must change all of this soon, or they will be left playing out the string in July.
For the Miners, it is important in a short season like this to not only defend home field, but beat the teams behind you in the standings. It's crazy to think, but the ABL season is a sixth a of the way in the books. A quick start early tonight by the Miners will certainly challenge the resolve of the Pilots. Mentally can they play from behind yet again tonight? The Miners must find out tonight.
Offensively the Miners have improved a great deal over the last week, pounding out at least ten hits in each of the last three games. Stephen Branca (Jr./Tennessee Wesleyan), Cam Kneeland (Jr./Mass.-Lowell) and Jaycob Brugman (Fr./BYU) are all hitting the baseball well for the Miners right now in the middle of the order. The story however, has been the pitching staff. Again Steven Bruce (Fr./Oklahoma) was terrific on Tuesday night. He's gone now 18 1/3 innings without allowing a run this season. The bullpen though has also been impressive. Neal Dennison (So./Georgetown) came in during a difficult part of the game Tuesday. He was called on to face Pilots clean-up hitter Aaron Judge, with runners on the corners and one out. With one pitch, Dennison was able to get the 6'7'' righty to bounce into a double play to end the threat.
Tonight the Miners will hand the ball to Bluefield lefty David Gibson (1-0, 3.48 era). The Junior pitcher has battled through control issues early this season. In 10 1/3 innings he has allowed 7 walks, and struck out 11. Gibson pitched last Wednesday vs. AIA, where he picked up a rain-shortened five-inning complete game win.
Tonight's Game: Miners (5-1 in ABL) vs. Pilots (0-7 in ABL)
First Pitch: 7:00pm from Hermon Brothers Field in Palmer. It's Mat Valley Federal Credit Union day at the ballpark.
Media: Matt Dudas and Michael Broskowski have the call beginning with the Mat-Su Miners Pre-Game Show at 6:50pm. The game can be heard locally on Q99.7 and on the web at www.matsuminers.org.
Pre-Game Guest: Matt Dudas will catch up with first baseman Cam Kneeland.
Tomorrow: The Miners meet the Pilots again at 7:00pm at Hermon Brothers Field.
The Pilots struggles really begin offensively. Over the last two night, the team has only allowed six runs. However, the Pilots haven't had an RBI during those two games, and have only scored one run. It came last night when Brady Hohl stole home. The teams offensive numbers are just brutal to this point. As a team, the Pilots enter tonight hitting .221. The Pilots must change all of this soon, or they will be left playing out the string in July.
For the Miners, it is important in a short season like this to not only defend home field, but beat the teams behind you in the standings. It's crazy to think, but the ABL season is a sixth a of the way in the books. A quick start early tonight by the Miners will certainly challenge the resolve of the Pilots. Mentally can they play from behind yet again tonight? The Miners must find out tonight.
Offensively the Miners have improved a great deal over the last week, pounding out at least ten hits in each of the last three games. Stephen Branca (Jr./Tennessee Wesleyan), Cam Kneeland (Jr./Mass.-Lowell) and Jaycob Brugman (Fr./BYU) are all hitting the baseball well for the Miners right now in the middle of the order. The story however, has been the pitching staff. Again Steven Bruce (Fr./Oklahoma) was terrific on Tuesday night. He's gone now 18 1/3 innings without allowing a run this season. The bullpen though has also been impressive. Neal Dennison (So./Georgetown) came in during a difficult part of the game Tuesday. He was called on to face Pilots clean-up hitter Aaron Judge, with runners on the corners and one out. With one pitch, Dennison was able to get the 6'7'' righty to bounce into a double play to end the threat.
Tonight the Miners will hand the ball to Bluefield lefty David Gibson (1-0, 3.48 era). The Junior pitcher has battled through control issues early this season. In 10 1/3 innings he has allowed 7 walks, and struck out 11. Gibson pitched last Wednesday vs. AIA, where he picked up a rain-shortened five-inning complete game win.
Tonight's Game: Miners (5-1 in ABL) vs. Pilots (0-7 in ABL)
First Pitch: 7:00pm from Hermon Brothers Field in Palmer. It's Mat Valley Federal Credit Union day at the ballpark.
Media: Matt Dudas and Michael Broskowski have the call beginning with the Mat-Su Miners Pre-Game Show at 6:50pm. The game can be heard locally on Q99.7 and on the web at www.matsuminers.org.
Pre-Game Guest: Matt Dudas will catch up with first baseman Cam Kneeland.
Tomorrow: The Miners meet the Pilots again at 7:00pm at Hermon Brothers Field.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Programming Reminder
Tonight at 7:00 p.m. the voices of the Miners, Matt Dudas and Michael Broskowski, will be guests on the Valley Sports Huddle with Jeremiah Bartz. The conversation will span from talking Miners to how the broadcasters ended up coming to Alaska for the summer. You can hear the show locally on 1430am or by going to www.1430hometownradio.com.
Some Off Day Thoughts
Last night the Miners defeated the Pilots to improve to 5-1 in ABL this season. The Miners again got an outstanding pitching performance by Steven Bruce (Fr./Oklahoma). Bruce only pitched 15.1 innings this season with the Sooners, but has been incredibly sharp since joining the Miners. So far this season Bruce has tossed 18.1 innings of scoreless baseball, including last night's effort of seven scoreless.
Offensively, the Miners continued their hot hitting. Last night the Miners pounded out 13 hits, including three each by Cam Kneeland (Jr./Mass.-Lowell) and Ryan Ford (Middle Tennessee St.). Kneeland and Ford each had solid numbers in their college seasons, but really started off slow in the ABL. The two combined for just one hit all season prior to Saturday's game. However, it was only a matter of time before they each broke out of their slumps. With them now hitting, opposing pitchers will be hard pressed to find holes in the Miners lineup.
Last night also marked the debuts for RHP Brandon Hedrick (Jr./Union College) and catcher Mason Guymon (Jr./Carson-Newman). Each of them entered the game in the 9th, with Hedrick closing the door on a potential Pilots rally to give the Miners the victory.
The Miners get to enjoy an off day today, thanks in part to the league having an odd number of clubs in 2011. The Pilots on the other hand have to take on the Bucs tonight in Anchorage.
For the Pilots, they certainly are falling out of the race rather quickly. Despite the addition of Keenyn Walker (So./Central Arizona) last night, the Pilots failed to score a run. After the game manager Yogi Cox let his displeasure be known, as the team held an on-field meeting that lasted close to thirty-minutes. With the ABL season shortened to 36 games this year, the Pilots must get on track quickly. However, the Miners will look to remain rolling Thursday night in game three of this five-game set.
Offensively, the Miners continued their hot hitting. Last night the Miners pounded out 13 hits, including three each by Cam Kneeland (Jr./Mass.-Lowell) and Ryan Ford (Middle Tennessee St.). Kneeland and Ford each had solid numbers in their college seasons, but really started off slow in the ABL. The two combined for just one hit all season prior to Saturday's game. However, it was only a matter of time before they each broke out of their slumps. With them now hitting, opposing pitchers will be hard pressed to find holes in the Miners lineup.
Last night also marked the debuts for RHP Brandon Hedrick (Jr./Union College) and catcher Mason Guymon (Jr./Carson-Newman). Each of them entered the game in the 9th, with Hedrick closing the door on a potential Pilots rally to give the Miners the victory.
The Miners get to enjoy an off day today, thanks in part to the league having an odd number of clubs in 2011. The Pilots on the other hand have to take on the Bucs tonight in Anchorage.
For the Pilots, they certainly are falling out of the race rather quickly. Despite the addition of Keenyn Walker (So./Central Arizona) last night, the Pilots failed to score a run. After the game manager Yogi Cox let his displeasure be known, as the team held an on-field meeting that lasted close to thirty-minutes. With the ABL season shortened to 36 games this year, the Pilots must get on track quickly. However, the Miners will look to remain rolling Thursday night in game three of this five-game set.
ABL Standings
- Peninsula Oilers 2-0
- Mat-Su Miners 5-1
- AIA Fire 4-4
- Anchorage Bucs 2-2
- Anchorage Pilots 0-6
Tomorrow's Game: Mat-Su Miners vs. Anchorage Glacier Pilots.
First Pitch: 7:00pm at Hermon Brothers Field.
Media: Matt Dudas and Michael Broskowski call the action beginning at 6:50 with the Mat-Su Miners Pre-Game Show. You can hear the game locally on Q99.7, or on www.matsuminers.org.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Miners Update for 6/21
The Miners are now about a quarter of the way through their regular season schedule. However, with so many different players beginning to contribute, manager Brian Yocke's job has become much more difficult in filling out a lineup card each evening.
Behind the plate, the Miners have began to settle on Casey Coyle (Fr./Oklahoma) as the starting catcher. Coyle has become an instant fan favorite thanks to some clutch hits and impressive plays defensively. He has hit .364 with 3 doubles and 3 RBI. Adam Martin (Fr./Western Carolina) has also seen time behind the plate, and after getting off to a slow start Martin has shown signs of putting that behind him. Saturday night Martin had two-hits, including a double to left field.
Over at first base, the Miners have used almost exclusively Cam Kneeland (Jr./UMass-Lowell). Despite getting off to a slow start offensively, Kneeland's defense has been very strong. Coming into tonight Kneeland has his fielding percentage sitting at a perfect 1.000. Saturday night Kneeland began to take his first swings out of the early season slump, going 2-for-5 with an rbi in the game vs. the Pilots.
At the middle infield positions, the Miners have rotated between three different players. Kevin Lum (Jr./Oklahoma St.) has rotated back and forth between the 2B and SS positions. Lum is arguably the hottest player in all of the ABL, hitting .571 during league games. Lum is joined in the middle infield by Tim Zier (Fr./San Diego St.) and Ryan Ford (So./Middle Tennessee St.). Zier is hitting .216 with 5 RBI, but has only committed one error at second base. Ford has struggled at the dish, but has been very steady defensively.
Rounding out the infield at third base is Stephen Branca (Jr./Tennessee Wesleyan). Branca has been red-hot of late, going 6 for his last 10 at the plate. During that span he has 3 doubles and a triple. In ABL play, Branca holds an impressive .714 slugging percentage. Branca's seen the majority of his starts come out of the three-hole in the batting order.
The outfield has been largely distributed between four different players. Dominick Francia (Fr./Louisiana-Lafayette) has stolen an impressive 13 bases, and has hit .344 so far. He also leads the team in runs scored, with 9. After coming in as a reserve on opening night, Francia has started in the following nine games. Another key-contributor for the Miners so far has been Jaycob Brugman (Fr./BYU). Brugman came into the ABL on the heels of a freshman campaign that saw him hit .421 in Mountain West Conference play. Last week, Brugman was named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America team. So far for the Miners, Brugman is hitting .290, with four extra base hits. Michael Suiter (HS Sr./Kailau, Hawaii) has hit .211 thus far, but became the first Miner to go yard this year when he went deep Saturday night in Anchorage. The Santa Clara commit was selected in the 37th round by the Cincinnati Reds two weeks ago. Nick Rosso (Fr./St. Mary's) has only made five starts, has made a huge impact during that stretch. Rosso leads the team in slugging percentage (.647%) and triples (2) so far this year. He also has a batting average of .353.
The pitching staff for the Miners has been very sharp out of the gates, with a team ERA of 2.83. However, the squad will have to replace a couple of relievers. Ryan Kemp (Jr./St. Joe's) and A.J. Holland (Jr./St. Joe's) each were selected a couple of weeks ago in the MLB Draft and have since decided to sign professionally. Kemp was taken in the 14th round by Cincinnati, while Holland was taken in the 16th round by Atlanta.
Steven Bruce (Fr./Oklahoma) has led the Miners pitching staff so far. Entering this week Bruce has yet to allow a run in 11 1/3 innings of work.
To fill the three open roster spots, the Miners have made a few transactions. To fill the spots left open by Holland and Kemp, the Miners have signed pitchers Brandon Hedrick (Jr./Union College, KY) and Matt Applegate (Jr./Kansas St.) and catcher Mason Guymon (Jr./Carson-Newman). Applegate returns to Alaska after helping the Miners win the ABL last season. Hedrick was one of the top pitchers in all of the NAIA this season. He went 11-3 with a 2.78 era. In 87 1/3 innings pitched, he struck out 103 hitters. Guymon is regarded as one of the best defensive catchers in the Division II level of the NCAA. This season Guymon threw out 17 out of 18 would be base stealers.
Be sure to check out the blog all summer long for interviews, videos, and other notes about the Miners and the ABL.
- Tonight's Game: Miners (6-3-1, 4-1 in ABL) vs. Glacier Pilots (0-5, 3-9-1 in ABL).
- First Pitch: 7:00pm from Hermon Brothers Field in Palmer. Tonight is also Coca-Cola's Public Safety Appreciation Day, here at the park.
- Media: Matt Dudas and Michael Broskowski bring you the action beginning at 6:50pm for the Miners Pre-Game show. Listen live on www.matsuminers.org and locally on Q99.7.
- Pre-Game Guest: Michael Broskowski is scheduled to be joined by outfielder Michael Suiter.
- Tomorrow: The Miners get an off-day. Check back for a recap of tonight's game tomorrow.
-Matt Dudas
Monday, June 6, 2011
First few days
Its day number 4 for us here in the Valley. Half the team is in town with another batch flying in tomorrow. Today was the second day of practice for the Miners. 14 players took part in the first two practices, and are starting to gel together. The Alaska Baseball League kicked off today with a pair of exhibition games in Anchorage between the Pilots and the Bucs. The teams split with the Glacier Pilots winning game 1 by a score of 7-4 and the Bucs taking game 2 4-0. The Miners will kick off their exhibition schedule with an away game in Anchorage against the Glacier Pilots at 7pm. The Miners roster should grow substantially as as all four players who where still competing for their respective schools, where eliminated from the NCAA Regionals. We will have a video interview with first year Miners manager Brian Yocke in our next post.
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