The push for the final two playoff positions for the Alaska Baseball League’s Top of the World Series opened in earnest with the Peninsula Oilers hosting the Chugiak-Eagle River Chinooks in the first of four home contests at Coral Seymour Memorial Park.
Oilers 8 – Chinooks 2
The Peninsula Oilers downed Chugiak-Eagle River 8-2 to improve to 17-22 on the ABL season, shelling Chinooks pitching for eight runs on 12 hits.
Oilers starting pitcher Aaron Shoup recorded his second win of the ABL season tossing six innings and allowing only two runs on five hits, striking out three. Relief pitcher Billy Clemens threw three, scoreless innings retiring all nine batters faced.
Leading 5-2 entering the bottom of the eighth inning, the Oilers pounced on Chinooks starter Aidan Stout for three runs, highlighted by a three-run double off the bat of shortstop Caleb Hicks. The Oilers score an additional run off of reliever Alex Schmitz.
Left fielder Isaac Deveaux finished 2 for 4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Second baseman Paul Kunst, making his Oilers debut on Thursday, added a 2 for 3 night including a sacrifice fly.
With the win, the Oilers increase their lead over the Chinooks to two games in the hunt for one of two playoff positions.
Oilers Home Schedule
Friday, July 28
Oilers vs Chinooks Doubleheader 4:00 p.m. Game One
Free Admission sponsored by Oilers Booster Club
Saturday, July 29 Final Home Game of the Regular Season
Oilers vs Chinooks 2:00 p.m. Game Time
Free Admission sponsored by Peninsula Clarion and Coke
