Pitching fueled the Peninsula Oilers in Sunday’s 12-inning marathon, 2-1 walk-off victory over the Mat-Su Miners; the second walk-off win for the home Oilers in the last six days at Coral Seymour Memorial Park.
Both teams combined for a mere seven total hits and the Oilers game-winner was the only run scored from a lead-off base hit. With the win, the Oilers (11-19) split the six-game series at three game apiece with the Miners (18-11).
Oilers 2- Miners 1
Both starting pitchers combined to allow three hits, one unearned run, four walks and eight strikeouts on Sunday.
The Oilers starter Eric Reardon carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning, allowing one earned run. Miners starter Randy Abshier threw a season-high eight innings allowing one unearned run. Both starters received no-decisions as the bullpens for each team were called on to battle in the series final pairing.
The Oilers broke the scoreless seal in the bottom of the third on an RBI ground out by Camden Vasquez that scored Victor Carlino who had reached on a hit by pitch.
The Miners tied the game on an Aaron Walters RBI ground out in the fourth inning scoring Erik Webb who had walked to lead off the inning.
The outstanding pitching continued well after the starters had left the mound.
In the ninth inning, the Oilers put McCord at first base with a one-out walk against Miners reliever Grant Sloan, but Sloan retired the next two batters to send the game into extra innings.
In the 1oth inning, the Oilers went to reliever Heath Olive who retired the Miners in order.
In the bottom of the tenth, Miners reliever Evan Floyd with the bases loaded, recorded two straight outs to end the inning.
Bobby Goodloe led-off the bottom of the twelfth with a single and advanced to second on a Drew Thorpe sacrifice bunt. Carlino was intentionally walked to put a possible double play in order with Paul Steffensen at the plate.
Steffensen grounded into a 6-4 fielder’s choice advancing Goodloe to third; then, a throwing error plated Goodloe with the game-winning run. Final Score: Oilers 2, Miners1.
Oilers resume play on Tuesday
The Oilers have an off-day on Monday before playing the Anchorage Glacier Pilots on Tuesday, July 9th at Mulcahy Stadium to open a road trip which will include the ABL Scout’s Showcase, the ABL Home Run Derby and ABL All-Star Game.
Oilers vs Pilots Series
Tuesday, July 9th Oilers vs Pilots @ Mulcahy Park Game Time 7:10 p.m.
Wednesday, July 10th Oilers vs Pilots @ Mulcahy Park Game Time 7:10 p.m.
Thursday, July 11th Oilers vs Pilots @ Mulcahy Park Game Time 7:10 p.m.
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