Miners pounce Panners

PALMER -- Earlier this season the Alaska Goldpanners swept the Mat-Su Miners in a crucial series at Growden Park in Fairbanks. While it may not make up for the losses up north, the Miners got a little revenge Friday night as they pounded the Panners 9-1 at Hermon Brothers Field.

Matt Young and Mike Kelly each posted three RBIs in the contest. Joey Hooft and Josh Mader also drove in runs.

The Miners took a 1-0 lead when Kelly drove in Mader in the bottom of the third inning.

Mat-Su broke the contest open in the sixth inning when Mader scored his second run of the contest to give the Miners a 3-0 lead. Kelly notched a two-run single later in the inning.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Mat-Su erupted for four runs.

Hooft singled and drove in Jase Turner, Mader drove in Matthew Inouye on a sacrifice and Young doubled, scoring Hooft and Jeff Butts.

Bryan Beck improved to 2-0 on the season after pitching seven scoreless innings. Beck allowed just two hits and struck out four Goldpanners.

Jason Snyder and Ryan Heil each pitched an inning of relief.

Alaska starter Kevin Welch was tagged with the loss. Welch and reliever Kyle Allen each gave up four earned runs.

With the regular season over, Mat-Su is now competing in the annual Wood Bat Invitational hosted by the Anchorage Bucs.

The Miners will play each of the five teams in the Alaska Baseball League this week.