Miners earn All-ABL honors

PALMER — In 2017, the Mat-Su Miners turned to a Southeastern Louisiana right-hander to solidify the back end of their bullpen, and Josh Green established himself as the top closer in the Alaska Baseball League and helped the Miners win their second straight ABL title.

As the Miners prepared for the 2018 campaign, Mat-Su recruiters brought another Southeastern Louisiana product, Bryce Tassin, to Palmer. And Tassin became the league’s top closer, and has received a top honor.

Tassin has been named the ABL Top Prospect for the 2018 season. The award is handed out annually to a player predicted to reach a high level in the sport. Miners head coach Ben Taylor had no hesitation in response to Tassin’s potential.

“He’s a Major Leaguer,” Taylor said.

Tassin leads the league with 10 saves. He has a 0.82 earned run average, and 26 strikeouts in 26 innings pitched.

“He’s been fantastic, a great power arm at the back end of our bullpen,” Taylor said. “For us, we’d be nowhere near the club we are without Bryce.”

Tassin was one of a pair of Miners to earn major awards. Shortstop Drew Swift earned the ABL’s Gold Glove award.

“Absolutely no doubt he deserves the award,” Taylor said.

Taylor said Swift makes the flashy plays worthy of the highlight reel, but the Arizona State product has baseball intelligence that allows him to stand out.

“The X’s and O’s,” the Miners head coach said.

He makes the routine plays the get the Miners out of innings, and plays that save runs. Swift has also improved at the plate as the summer progressed. He is hitting about .270 in July Taylor said.

Taylor said Swift is the complete package at shortstop.

“He’s the best one I’ve ever had,” Taylor said of his six seasons as head coach of the Mienrs.

Four of his five everyday shortstops with the Miners are playing professional baseball currently.

Taylor said Swift is also Mat-Su’s leader on and off the diamond.

“He’s our energy, our juice. The pep in our step,” Taylor said.

Tassin was also one of four Miners to earn first-team All-ABL honors. Outfielder Kona Quiggle, starting pitcher Ian Churchill and reliever Nathan Bock were also named to the list. Austin Pinorini made the firsv team as a utility player.

Quiggle led the ABL with 51 hits during the regular season, and was fourth in the league with a .309 average. The Grand Canyon University product added 29 runs and 19 RBI.

“He is as well-deserved for an All-ABL nod as any guy I’ve had,” Taylor said. “I couldn’t be happier for Kona.”

Churchill, a Santa Barbara City College freshman, was a late addition to the Mat-Su roster. But the lefty established himself as one of the top starters in the league. He led the ABL with a 7-0 mark, and also posted a 1.55 earned run average and 44 strikeouts in 40 2/3 innings pitched.

“He’s come up huge,” Henson said of Churchill. “He’s always producing, every since he got up here.”

Churchill has not part of Mat-Su’s opening day roster. After finishing his freshman season at Santa Barbara City College, Churchill was added to fill a void on the Miners staff.

“That one’s Pete Christopher,” Taylor said, referring to Mat-Su’s longtime general manager. “Pete made a phone call to a former (Miners) coach, and we were able to get Church up here quick. Without Pete, Churchill isn’t here, and we might not be doing what we’re doing.”

Bock was one of Mat-Su’s top options in the bullpen, finishing the regular season with a 1.59 ERA in 18 appearances. He fanned 18 in 22 2/3, earned three wins on the mound and saves two games.

“He’s been a really good one for us, threw huge innings for us,” Taylor said. “It’s good to see him get the recognition.”

Pinorini filled multiple roles for the Miners. The Gonzaga veteran suited up at catcher, played in the outfield and was also a designated hitter. Pinorini as among team leaders with 32 hits, 26 RBI and 16 runs.

“Austin has brought an easy presence to our team with his personality and dependability,” Taylor said. “

The Miners also landed four players on the second team. Swift, first baseman Spencer Henson, starting pitcher Asa Lacey and designated hitter Aaron Walters were also honored.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.

All-Alaska Baseball League

Player of the Year: Jake Vieth, Bucs

Top Prospect: Bryce Tassin, Miners

Gold Glove: Drew Swift, Miners

Silver Slugger: Jake Vieth, Bucs

Coach of the Year: Ken Hokuf, Bucs

First-team:

First base — Jake Vieth, Bucs; Second base — Ryon Knowles, Pilots; Shortstop — Marc Mumper, Pilots Third base — Jordan Arruda, Pilots; Catcher — Ryan Koch, Oilers; Utility player — Austin Pinorini, Miners; Outfield — Kona Quiggle, Miners; Brennan Breaux, Bucs; Anthony Forte, Chinooks; Starting pitcher — Adam Seminaris, Bucs; Cole Cook, Pilots; Mike Lopez, Oilers; Ian Churchill, Miners; Jared Reklatis, Chinooks; Relief pitcher — Bryce Tassin, Miners; Kyle Wullenweber, Bucs; Nathan Bock, Miners; Closer — Adam Mardueno, Bucs; Designated hitter — Ryan Koch, Bucs.

Second-team:

First base — Spencer Henson, Miners; Second base —Willy Escala, Bucs; Shortstop — Drew Swift, Miners; Third base — JC Correa, Bucs; Catcher — Troy Claunch, Bucs; Outfield — Bailey Collins, Chinooks; Starting pitcher — Casey O’Sullivan, Bucs; Asa Lacey, Miners; Relief pitcher — Andy Almquist, Chinooks; John Altman, Bucs; Closer — River Carbone, Chinooks; Designated hitter — Aaron Walters, Miners.