Bigler leads Miners

PALMER -- A Brett Bigler run was the difference between Mat-Su and AIA as the Miners defeated the Flames 4-3 Wednesday to complete a sweep of a doubleheader at Hermon Brothers Field.

After AIA scored three runs in the top of the seventh to tie the game at 3-3, Bigler led off the bottom of the inning with a double to left field.

The speedy centerfielder raced to third on a Derek Decater sacrifice bunt and scored on a Scott Simon sacrifice fly to give the Miners the 4-3 advantage.

Bigler had a pair of hits, scored two runs and notched an RBI from his leadoff position for the Miners.

"You're not going to go far if your leadoff guy isn't going to get on for you," Mat-Su manager Mike Buchmiller said. "We're going to go as far as Brett Bigler takes us."

In 16 games Bigler has scored 11 runs for the Miners and drawn a team-high 13 walks. He also is among the top runners in the Alaska Baseball League, swiping nine stolen bases in 10 attempts.

Buchmiller said a Bigler on base percentage of .400 or better is integral to the success of the squad. Bigler is currently at .397. Buchmiller also said his play in center field and on the base paths are key to the Miners.

"If Brett Bigler continues to do that, he'll continue to be a spark plug for the Mat-Su Miners," Buchmiller said.

Bigler said he embraces the role as the leadoff man and his contributions have helped the Miners play a style they have had success with -- the small ball.

"We play little ball, we do the little things," Bigler said.