Pitching shines for Miners in doubleheader

ANCHORAGE — An impromptu doubleheader forced by a Saturday rain-out didn’t dampen the hot starting pitching of the Mat-Su Miners.

In a pair of games Sunday saw the Miners hurlers allow just seven hits in 14 innings of work, including a shutout in the day’s first game, a 2-0 near complete gem from Justin Kraft over the Anchorage Glacier Pilots. Mat-Su followed up with a 3-2 win over the Anchorage Bucs.

Although the Miners’ bats cooled off some, with 11 hits combined in the two wins, the Alaska Baseball League leaders took advantage of opportunities.

Tied 0-0 going into the top of the third against the Glacier Pilots, the Miners capitalized on an error that allowed Bobby Jacobs to reach base. He was brought home when Pilots pitcher Matt Larkins walked in what would prove to be the game-winner. James Ramsey, who was walked on the play, also scored on a Shane Brown fielder’s choice RBI.

That would be all the offense Kraft would need. He recorded 20 of the game’s 21 outs for the Miners, striking out 6 and walking no batters.

Capping off the doubleheader, the Miners again found all of their offense in the third inning against the Anchorage Bucs.

Trailing 1-0 going into the top of the third, Jacobs again led off with a triple. He was brought home by Chad Mitchell, who capitalized on a pair of Bucs errors to reach base and advance. Mitchell would score in the inning, as would Jonathan Johnson for a 3-1 lead.

The Miners are off until Thursday, when they host the Glacier Pilots on MTA Fan Appreciation Day at Hermon Brothers Field. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com.