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

1. Peninsula Oilers 7-1
2. Mat-Su Miners 7-3
3. Anchorage Bucs 4-3
4. AIA Fire 5-7
5. 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.