Goldpanners sweep Miners

Trevor Mortonson notched a game-winning, run-scoring double in the bottom of the 10th inning to lead the Alaska Goldpanners to an 8-7 win over the Mat-Su Miners at Growden Park in Fairbanks on Sunday.

The win ensured a three-game sweep for the Panners.

After winning seven straight earlier this month, the Miners are now on a four-game losing skid. The streak has taken Mat-Su from its comfortable first-place position, to a less than satisfying fourth-place position in the Alaska Baseball League standings.

The Miners scored six runs in the top of the fifth inning and took a 7-1 lead in Sunday's loss. John Hester completed his tear in Fairbanks with a pair of hits and two runs driven in. Hester, a catcher and designated hitter from Stanford, collected four doubles and seven RBIs in three games.

Chris Mason pitched eight innings for Mat-Su.The right hander struck out seven, but allowed six walks and six earned runs.

Each of the Miners' three losses in the series against the Goldpanners came by just one run. In a doubleheader on Saturday, the Miners suffered losses of 6-5 and 5-4.

The Miners are in action against the Anchorage Bucs at Mulchay Stadium tonight and return Wednesday for a three-game series with the Peninsula Oilers.