Miners get first walk-off of the season in obscure way

After surrendering a two-run lead in the top of the ninth, the Mat-Su Miners grabbed the bats in the bottom half looking to avoid extra-innings and their first walk-off win of the season. With runners on the corners, Anchorage Glacier Pilots pitcher Drew Perigo faked a pick-off attempt to first base, but didn't throw the ball, resulting in a balk that allowed Matthew Bline, who was on third, to come home and score the game-winning run. 

The unorthdox walk-off balk gave the Miners a 5-4 win over the Glacier Pilots Wednesday night at Hermon Brothers Field. 

Austin Park had a standout day. Garnering two singles, two runs scored, a walk, and multiple exceptional plays from shortstop. One being an airborne over-the-shoulder grab as he ran into shallow left field. 

Mat-Su struck first in the first inning after Bline's two-out two-RBI single drove in Park and Hayzen Inouye. Bline now leads the team with eight RBI this season. The Miners wouldn't add on until the fourth inning where two more runs came across after back-to-back at bats reulted in a hit-by-pitch and walk with the bases loaded.

Jaxon Baker got the start on the mound and went four 2/3 innings, giving up two runs, one earned, on five hits with seven strikeouts. Baker still leads the ABL in strikeouts with 30 and Earned Run Average with a 2.29. Connor Mondey came in relief and retired 11 Pilot hitters in a row before allowing three hits. Brady Clark got the final two outs, but the tying run crossed on the first hitter he faced. 

Despite leaving the bases loaded three times in the game, the Miners found a way to get it done and go two games above .500.

Next the Miners take on the Galcier Pilots tomorrow, but this time at Mulcahy Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. You can stream the game on the Mat-Su Miners YouTube channel.

2026 Mat-Su Miners Broadcaster

Kaden Bessent