The Peninsula Oilers and Chugiak-Eagle River Chinooks split a Sunday doubleheader on Father’s Day, with the Oilers capturing game one 2-1, and the Chinooks winning game two 5-1 at Lee Jordan Field in Alaska Baseball League action. With the split, the Chinooks secured the opening three-game series two games to one against the Oilers.
Game One: Oilers 2- Chinooks 1
Starting pitching held both lineups in a stalemate through the opening innings of game one. Oilers starting pitcher Tevin Murray and Chinooks starter Jared Ricklaitis combined for 11 strikeouts through four innings pitched.
In the top of the fifth inning, the Oilers struck first on a two-out RBI double by Bryan Woo, which plated Matthew Kirk, who led off the inning with a single. Woo’s first hit of the season put the Oilers up 1-0.
The Chinooks answered in the bottom of the sixth when Jordan Wharton led off the inning with a solo home run off of Oilers reliever Tre Brown, tying the game 1-1.
In the top of the seventh, with Grant Wood at third base, Calvin Farris drove him in on a sacrifice fly to left field, which gave the Oilers a 2-1 lead.
Tre Brown won his first game of the season for the Oilers, throwing two innings in relief of Murray.
Game Two: Chinooks 5- Oilers 1
In game two, the Chinooks jumped out to an early lead against Oilers starter Noah Owen. The Chinooks scored two runs in the bottom of the third inning, on two hits, and a fielding error by first baseman Michael Yourg.
The Oilers struck for their only run of the contest when Ryan Koch led off the top of the fourth inning with a solo home run against Chinooks starter Anthony Becerra, Koch’s second on the season which drew the OIlers to within a run.
The Chinooks responded with three runs in the bottom of the frame, powered by four hits, which pushed the Chinooks lead to 5-1. Owen was chased after 3.2 innings pitched in his second start of the season.
Owen received his first loss of the season, Chinooks starter Anthony Beccera recorded his first win.
The Oilers, with the loss, continue to lead the ABL standings at 8-4; the win pushes the Chinooks to 4-5.
Oilers Conclude Opening Road Trip Monday Night Against Anchorage Glacier Pilots
The Oilers complete their opening seven-game road trip against the Anchorage Glacier Pilots on Monday, June 18th.
Game time scheduled for 7:10 p.m. at Mulcahy Stadium in Anchorage.
Tune in to the Sweeney’s Pregame Show at 6:50 p.m. Monday on ESPN 1140AM and www.radiokenai.com.
The Oilers return to Coral Seymour Memorial Park on Wednesday, June 20th against the Chugiak-Eagle River Chinooks, the first of a five-game home series.
Follow The Oilers On ESPN 1140 AM And www.radiokenai.com
*Photo courtesy of Chugiak-Eagle River Chinooks.