Miners, Oilers split Saturday doubleheader in Kenai

PALMER — The Mat-Su Miners and Peninsula Oilers traded three-hit shutouts, splitting an Alaska Baseball League doubleheader Saturday night at Coral Seymour Park in Kenai.

Justin Vernia tossed a three-hitter to help Mat-Su blank the Oilers 9-0 in the first game of the day. Peninsula’s Billy Oxford answered with a three-hit shutout of his own during the Oilers’ 4-0 win over the Miners in Game 2.

Vernia fanned two and walked two during a seven-inning complete game in Game 1 of the doubleheader. The bulk of Mat-Su’s offense came in the final inning. Mat-Su took a 3-0 lead into the seventh, but added six runs in the inning. Mat-Su’s middle infield — shortstop Angelo Armenta and second baseman Levi Jordan — finished a combined 5 for 5 with four RBI and four runs scored. Armenta had three hits, three RBI and a run scored. Jordan collected a pair of hits, three runs and an RBI. Brooks Stotler added a two-run homer for the Miners.

Michael Donadio finished with two of Mat-Su’s three hits in the second game.

Sunday, Mat-Su dropped the final contest of the three-game set in Kenai, falling 1-0 to the Oilers. Justin Montgomery and Ryan Lillie combined to throw a one-hitter for the Oilers Montgomery went 8 2/3 innings, allowing only one hit, while fanning seven and walking two. Lillie recorded the final out in the night to get the save.

Brooks Stotler finished with the lone hit for the Miners.

The Kenai squad’s effort overshadowed another solid start for Mat-Su lefty Jacob Hughey. The Long Beach State product allowed only two hits and one run over seven innings. He fanned four and walked one.

Mat-Su dropped to 14-12 with the loss. As of Sunday night, the Miners held a one-game lead over the Anchorage Glacier Pilots (14-14) in the Alaska Baseball League standings. Mat-Su hosted Anchorage Monday night. Results were not available prior to press time.

Mat-Su plays Chugiak Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday’s game is slated for 7 p.m. at Lee Jordan Field in Chugiak. Mat-Su hosts Chugiak Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Hermon Brothers Field.