Oilers 4, Bucs 1
The Peninsula Oilers are putting the Alaska Baseball League on notice. After surrendering a four-run lead in their series-opening loss against the Anchorage Bucs on Tuesday, the Oilers played like the superior team on Wednesday and Thursday.
After starting pitcher Jacob Tabor retired the Bucs in order in the top of the first inning, the Oilers wasted no time in the bottom of the frame when they racked up three runs on two hits and a steal of home. Colin Robson ripped a double to left-center and successfully stole home base when his slide dislodged the ball from Bucs catcher Brody Briggs’s mitt.
Ty Thomas continued his great hitting from the previous night with an RBI single in the inning. Thomas said after a two-hit performance in the Oilers’ win over Anchorage on Wednesday that he made the decision to switch from a 34″ bat to a 33.5″ bat, and the increased bat speed has helped him make greater contact with the ball.
Tabor turned in his best start of the summer from the mound, scattering three hits and only allowing one run over seven innings.
With the win, the Oilers improved to 7-5 on the season, hung onto second place in the ABL, and now trail the first-place Bucs by only two games.
Next, the Oilers continue their series against the first-place Bucs on Friday night. It will be the fourth game of the five-game series at Coral Seymour Park.
Tune into the Sweeney’s Pregame Show at 5:40 p.m. on ESPN 1140 AM, 96.9 FM, and radiokenai.com. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
