Game 30: Miners at Bucs, 7:00 p.m.

Tonight the Mat-Su Miners conclude a brief two-game trip to Anchorage for the Major League Baseball Showcase. Last night the Miners fell behind early 5-0, as starting pitcher Matt Applegate (Jr./Kansas St.) allowed his first earned runs of the 2011 season. The Pilots used a four-run, six-hit third inning to chase Applegate from the game, and effectively break the game open. The Miners had chances throughout the game, including a bases-loaded no-out situation in the fourth, but failed to score until the late innings.

In the sixth, the Miners got to Pilots reliever Cody Brown (RS Fr./Neb.-Omaha). The Green and Gold scored two runs in the inning, and got on the board when Adam Martin (Fr./Western Carolina) scored Kevin Lum (Jr./Oklahoma St.) by hitting his second double of the season. The Miners scored one more run in the inning on a fielding error.

In the seventh the Miners were able to get some sparks from their bench. Dominick Francia (Fr./Louis.-Lafayette) pinch-hit to begin the inning, and walked on five pitches. Wesley Jones (Jr./Milligan) smashed a double to right-center, that scored Francia and pulled the Miners within three. Michael Suiter (HS Sr./Kansas) pinch-hit, and dumped a single to left.

With the Miners threatening, the Pilots were able to get a huge double-play groundout from Lum that went 4-6-3. That took a lot of wind out of the sails of the Miners rally, but they again continued to battle. With the score 5-4 and the bases empty, Martin kept the game alive by singling to center. Nick Rosso (Fr./St. Mary's) would pinch-hit and worked a big walk to keep the game alive.

The Pilots finally were able to put the Miners thoughts of a comeback to rest, when Tim Zier (Fr./San Diego St.) grounded into a fielder's choice at short to end the game.

It was the Pilots second victory of the day, as they beat the Fire earlier in the day by a run. The Pilots now enter play today in fourth place in the ABL.

For the Miners, things are getting desperate. The Oilers defeated the Bucs in eleven innings yesterday, and now hold a 4 1/2 game edge on the Miners in the ABL. The Miners must get back on-track in a big way, beginning this evening against the Bucs. The Miners are expected to send lefty Mark Anderson (So./BYU) to the mound. Anderson pitched in the Miners only match-up this season against the Bucs, working five innings of shutout baseball while only allowing two hits. Anderson last pitched a week ago in Kenai, taking a hard-luck loss vs. the Oilers. Anderson went seven innings and battled his way to only allowing two-runs, despite allowing nine hits. Anderson brings a 3-1 record and an earned run average of 2.25 in 24 innings this season.

ABL Standings (W-L-GB)

1. Peninsula Oilers 15-6 --
2. Mat-Su Miners 12-12 4.5
3. Anchorage Bucs 11-11 4.5
4. Anchorage Pilots 11-15 6.5
5. AIA Fire 10-15 7

Tonight's Game: Miners (12-12) at Bucs (11-11)
First-pitch: Approximately 7:00 p.m. from Mulcahy Stadium in Anchorage. It is the third game of a triple-header at Mulcahy Stadium on Saturday. The Bucs also play in the second game of the day at 4:00 p.m. against the Fire. Tonight's game is scheduled to be a seven-inning contest.
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 game worldwide on http://www.matsuminers.org/.
Pre-Game Guest: Michael Broskowski talks with pitcher Jeff Gonzales.
Next up: The Miners participate in the first annual ABL All-Star Game and Home-Run Derby on Sunday in Anchorage. The HR Derby begins at 2:00 p.m., with the All-Star Game scheduled for 4:00 p.m.

-Matt Dudas