Game 27: Miners at Oilers, 7:00 p.m.

Tonight the Mat-Su Miners play a pivotal game three of a four-game series against the Peninsula Oilers. The Miners have dropped the first two games of the series, with each game finishing with the Oilers winning by a run.

In game-two of the series, the Oilers were led by second baseman Chris Mallory (Jr./Fresno St.). Mallory began the game hitting a first-inning solo-homer against Miners starter David Gibson (Jr./Bluefield). The Miners answered back by plating three runs in the second inning. Tim Zier (Fr./San Diego St.) hit a two-run single to open the scoring, to get the Miners on the board.

The Miners added another run in the third inning on a Kevin Lum (Jr./Oklahoma St.) RBI-single, that plated Stephen Branca (Jr./Tennessee Wesleyan). A few batter before that the Miners chased Oilers starter Justin Haley (So./Fresno St.). That turned things over to the bullpen, and reliever J.D. Salles (RS Fr./Fresno St.).

In the bottom of the third the Oilers climbed right back into the game, when Chris Mallory again came up big for the home team. Mallory sent a ball to the fence in left-center, that cleared the bases and tied the game. Mallory was thrown out at third, trying to stretch a double into a triple. The Miners though, went to the 'pen following the inning.

Ben Graff (Fr./San Francisco) was again strong in relief, but in the fifth inning the Oilers were able to capitalize on a Miners error. Again it was Mallory coming up big, lining a single to left-center to drive in his fifth-run of the game and give the Oilers the lead once again.

The Oilers bullpen silenced Miners bats in the late innings as Reese McGraw (Jr./Creighton) would pick up his second save, as he worked the final seven outs of the game.

The Miners now sit in second place in the ABL, behind the Oilers. Right behind the Green and Gold are the Bucs, who have come on of late.

ABL Standings (W-L-GB)

1. Peninsula Oilers 11-6 --
2. Mat-Su Miners 12-9 1
3. Anchorage Bucs 10-8 1.5
4. AIA Fire 8-11 4
5. Anchorage Pilots 7-14 6

This evening the Miners turn to righty Jeff Gonzales (Fr./Washington) to right the ship. Gonzales has been excellent for the Miners this season. He brings in a 2.36 earned run average into the contest, but comes in following his first losing-decision as a Miner. In his last outing, Gonzales worked five-shutout innings during his last start on Tuesday against the AIA Fire. In the sixth-inning Gonzales gave gave up a two-run double, and went on to receive the loss in the game.

Today's Game: Miners (12-9) at Oilers (11-6)

First-pitch: 7:00 p.m. from Coral Seymour Park in Kenai.

Media: Matt Dudas and Michael Broskowski have the call, beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the Mat-Su Miners Pre-Game Show. Fans can listen to the game worldwide on www.matsuminers.org, www.1430hometownradio.com, and www.istreamak.com.

Pre-Game Guest: Michael Broskowski talks with Miners RHP Brock Simon.

-Matt Dudas