Miners Bounce Back against Pilots
Published on July 12, 2016 under Alaska Baseball League (Alaska)
Mat-Su Miners News Release
PALMER, Alaska - A day after the Mat-Su Miners were one-hit by the Peninsula Oilers, first baseman Jake Scudder delivered a powerful response with his bat.
The first baseman collected 5 RBIs on two hits to lift the Miners to a 7-4 victory over the Anchorage Glacier Pilots at Hermon Brothers Field on Monday.
"We've had some tough ones lately, so it was really good to come out to our home field and take care of business," Scudder said.
The Glacier Pilots (14-15) posted the first two runs of the game in the opening inning, capitalizing on an RBI single from rightfielder Joe Gillette and a sacrifice fly from catcher Tyler Walters to grab an early lead.
The Miners (15-12) responded offensively with four runs in the bottom half of the frame. Scudder connected on a two-out double with the bases loaded to plate three runs and give Mat-Su the lead.
"Today I was given some good opportunities to hit," Scudder said. "I got some fastballs to deal with and put some good swings on them."
Third baseman Angelo Armenta followed with a single to score Scudder and stretch the Miners lead to 4-2.
Anchorage threatened in the top of the sixth with an RBI single from leftfielder Dalton Hurd. A wild throw from Mat-Su leftfielder Scooter Bynum allowed the tying run to score for the Glacier Pilots.
With two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh, Scudder stepped to the plate and supplied the eventual game-winning runs for the Miners. The first baseman singled to shallow centerfield to score shortstop Josh Bissonette and centerfielder Brooks Stotler.
Later in the inning, Scudder stole second base, forcing a wild throw to bring in designated hitter Michael Donadio from third base to give the Miners a 7-4 lead.
"We just ran a delayed steal and caught some guys off guard and it worked out," Scudder said.
Mat-Su starting pitcher Stephen Kolek went 5.2 innings on the mound and recorded two strikeouts. The right-hander surrendered four runs on eight hits in 27 batters faced.
"He's got unbelievable stuff," Miners head coach Ben Taylor said. "If Kolek can go out and throw strike one more often, I think he gets into that seventh or eighth inning. He'll make his adjustments with Matt (Greely) and dial in. He's got potentially dominant stuff. It's going to be fun to watch him in his next start."
Anchorage pitcher Kirk Morgan lasted four innings and surrendered four runs in his appearance. Relief pitcher Jack Labosky was tagged with the loss after allowing two runs in 2.1 innings.
Mat-Su relief pitcher Tyler Wyatt provided 2.1 hitless innings on the mound while recording three strikeouts.
"Wyatt did a good job, that kid really competed tonight," Taylor said. "He's thrown some great innings and thrown the ball well for us. Tonight he showed a high level of competitiveness."
Closer Jordan Floyd earned his seventh save this season with a perfect ninth inning.
The 5 RBIs from Scudder stretches his season total to 18, just one short of league-leader Steven Sensley of the Anchorage Bucs.
"It was big for Scudder," Taylor said. "He bounced back really big for himself and for us. He's been scuffling a little lately, but I'm really proud of the way he bounced back."
The Miners travel to Lee Jordan Field on Tuesday at 7 p.m. to face the Chugiak-Eagle River Chinooks.
Alaska Baseball League Stories from July 12, 2016
- Miners Bounce Back against Pilots - Mat-Su Miners
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