The Peninsula Oilers topped the Anchorage Glacier Pilots 2-1 in the first game of the opening two-game series against the Pilots Thursday at Mulcahy Stadium. Fueled by pitching and timely hitting, the Oilers pounded out their third consecutive win, improving their Alaska Baseball League leading record to 7-2.
Oilers 2- Pilots 1
The Oilers opened up the scoring in the top of the fourth inning when Matthew Kirk slapped a two-out RBI double, which plated Jake Darrow, giving the Oilers a 1-0 lead.
Oilers starter Bryan Woo making his ABL pitching debut tossed four scoreless innings allowing two hits, while striking out four.
Oilers reliever Ryan Silva pitched three innings in relief of Woo, allowing one run, coming in the bottom of the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Alex Stiegler, tying the score 1-1.
After two scoreless innings by both pitching staffs, the Oilers took a 2-1 lead in the top of the ninth when Calvin Farris scored from second base on a single by Paul Kunst and an error by Pilots left fielder Brayden Daniel.
With Jordan Arruda at first via a two-out single, the Pilots brought the game-winning run to the plate in form of Elliot Curtis, who pinch-hit for Marc Mumper. Oilers closer Bret Ricklefs forced Curtis to ground out to third sealing the seventh win of the season for the Oilers.
Brian Leonhardt picked-up the win in his first appearance on the mound, pitching the eighth inning. Bret Ricklets earned his ABL leading third save closing the ninth inning.
The Peninsula Oilers improve to 7-2 in ABL play; the Pilots dropped to 4-5 with the loss.
Oilers Road Trip Continues Throughout Weekend
The Oilers and the Pilots duel again Friday night in game two of the two-game series at 7:10 p.m. The Oilers continue their road trip with a three-game series against the Chugiak-Eagle River Chinooks beginning Saturday and including a Sunday doubleheader. Then, it is back to Mulcahy Park on Monday to close the trip with a single game against the Pilots. The Oilers return to Coral Seymour Memorial Park on June 20th and open a five-game, home stand.
A complete Oilers schedule available at www.radiokenai.com.
Follow The Oilers On ESPN 1140AM and www.radiokenai.com
