Miners blank Goldpanners, maintain league lead

FAIRBANKS — The only thing hotter than the weather here Thursday was Mat-Su Miners pitcher Sam Murphy.

The 6-foot, 200-pound right-hander from Omaha, Neb., pitched 5 2/3 innings of no-hit baseball in leading the Miners in a blowout 13-2 win over the Alaska Goldpanners. Murphy, who is a junior at the University of Arkansas, finished the game allowing just one hit in six innings.

The win keeps Mat-Su (14-4 overall, 12-4 league) on top of the Alaska Baseball League standings and was a quick rebound to an error-driven 2-1 loss on Wednesday.

With temperatures breaking the 80-degree mark on Thursday, the Miners’ offense was ready early and often. Mat-Su opened the game with three runs in the top of the first inning, scored another three in the third and plated two more in the fourth to lead 8-0.

Meanwhile, Murphy demonstrated control of his fast ball and breaking pitches before allowing his first hit with two outs in the sixth inning — a single from shortstop Derrick Chung.

Mike Carlson relieved Murphy in the seventh inning, picking up where Murphy left off.

But if the Goldpanners thought their day became easier with Murphy leaving the game, that feeling was fleeting, as the Miners posted another five runs in the eighth inning to take a 13-0 lead.

The Goldpanners finally broke the shutout in the bottom of the eighth inning, highlighted by a solo home run from Martin Medina.

Goldpanners 2, Miners 1

FAIRBANKS — In a showdown of worst and first on Wednesday, the Alaska Baseball League’s cellar-dweller Goldpanners capitalized on a pair of errors to beat the league-leading Miners 2-1.

Mat-Su drew first blood in the top of the opening inning when Nick Cox singled, stole second base then advanced home on an error.

But the Miners would return the favor, and then some, in the bottom of the second inning. Two costly errors allowed a pair of Goldpanners to score and hold on for the win.

Miners sweep AIA Fire

Wednesday’s loss seems to be a hiccup for Mat-Su Miners team that’s hitting its stride.

Before traveling to Fairbanks for its series against the Goldpanners, the Miners swept a four-game series with the Athletes in Action Fire. Tuesday’s 5-2 11-inning win capped a series that saw the Miners outscore the Fire 30-13.

Notes: Mat-Su scored three runs in the top of the 11th inning Tuesday off an error. … The Miners have outscored opponents 44-17 over their past six games. … While Mat-Su’s bats have been hot, field play has been cold with 18 errors over the past eight games. … The Miners out-hit the Goldpanners on Thursday 19-4.

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.