Colony grad leads Miners to win over Bucs

PALMER — With another stellar effort on the mound, the Mat-Su Miners blanked the Anchorage Bucs for the second time in four days.

Jacob Butcher pitched five strong innings to lead the Miners to a 1-0 win over the Bucs Saturday night at Mulcahy Stadium in Anchorage. Butcher, a former Colony High School standout, allowed only one hit. The right-hander fanned six and walked four. Butcher improved to 3-0 this season, and lowered his earned run average to 1.87.

Relievers Zach Hardy and Jake Suddreth also chipped in during the shutout. Hardy allowed two hits and struck out two during 1 2/3 inning of work. Suddreth got the final out to record his first save of the summer.

The lone run in the game came in the top of the second. Nick Brooks doubled and scored on an Austin Bull single to give the Miners the lead. Bull finished 2 for 2 for the Miners.

The game was part of the ABL/MLB Scouts Showcase. The Miners finished 2-0 in the showcase in nonleague play. Friday, Mat-Su edged the Peninsula Oilers 4-3.

Former Wasilla High standout Nolan Monaghan earned the start on the mound, and pitched three scoreless innings. Justin Blatner notched the win with three innings of relief. Juan Castro worked the seventh and earned the save.

Preston Pavlica led Mat-Su with two RBI. Oscar Marchena scored twice. Mike Antico also scored a run for the Miners.