Miners Slide by Chinooks on 8 Innings from Kolek
July 19, 2016 - Alaska Baseball League (Alaska)
Mat-Su Miners News Release
CHUGIAK, Alaska - Mat-Su Miners starting pitcher Stephen Kolek took the mound against the Chugiak-Eagle River Chinooks on Monday and propelled his team to victory by throwing eight innings in a 6-3 road victory.
"He took care of the bullpen and was a real team guy," Miners head coach Ben Taylor said. "His pitch count was down and he was super efficient. He pounded the zone and it was a big night for him."
Kolek allowed three runs and five hits while recording six strikeouts.
"I was just trying to hit the zone and feel all of my pitches," Kolek said. "It wasn't any one specific pitch that dominated tonight, I just tried to attack the zone."
Third baseman A.J. Lee posted the Miners first two runs in the top of the third on a double to centerfield to score centerfielder Brooks Stotler and catcher Zach Sharpley. First baseman Jake Scudder followed with an RBI groundout to stretch the lead to 3-0.
The Chinooks (12-19) responded in the bottom half of the inning on a suicide squeeze attempt. Although Chugiak-Eagle River leftfielder Mason Mallard missed the bunt, catcher Ben Hill was able to score during the ensuing pickle to cut the deficit to 3-1.
The Miners (18-12) regained a three-run advantage in the top of the fourth on a sacrifice fly from Stotler to right field.
Chugiak-Eagle River added a second run in the bottom of the fifth on an error by Lee to reduce the Mat-Su lead to 4-2.
Miners shortstop Josh Bissonette added an insurance run in the top of the ninth on a single to score Sharpley. Two batters later, Scudder drove in Stotler to give Mat-Su a 6-2 advantage.
The Chinooks threatened in the bottom half of the ninth by loading the bases against Kolek.
Mat-Su closer Jordan Floyd entered the game and earned a groundout double play against his first batter, as Mallard scored from third. Floyd then struck out first baseman Ethan Wiskur to end the game and give the Miners a 6-3 win.
"Some guys had some rest and feel pretty good about themselves after showing so well in the All-Star Game," Taylor said. "It was nice to get back to business and get back on the horse."
The Miners return to Lee Jordan Field on Tuesday for a 6 p.m. meeting with the Chinooks.
Alaska Baseball League Stories from July 19, 2016
- Early Offense Drives Miners to Fifth Straight League Win - Mat-Su Miners
- Miners Slide by Chinooks on 8 Innings from Kolek - Mat-Su Miners
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
