Alex Barker dominates for Boulders in Game 3; Miners still take series
Pomona, NY: In a series filled with runs aplenty and offensive production, the Miners fail to complete the sweep in New York thanks to an amazing pitching performance by Alex Barker. They fell 5-1 to the Boulders, putting a small blemish in an otherwise successful series.
Tristan Harley got the start in this one and was put through the wringer early on. Two early home runs by shortstop Austin Dennis on the first pitch of the half-inning and right fielder Norris McClure put the Miners in an early 2-0 predicament.
Lee Amedee’s line drive RBI single to right field in the third inning and Josh Leslie’s grounder bringing Santino Rossi home on a fielder’s choice added to the lead, but with how hot the Miners were offensively through the first two games of this series, it felt like Harley did enough to keep the Miners within distance.
Unfortunately, Alex Barker had other plans. The first-year Boulders pitcher went scorched earth on the mound, with almost seven innings pitched, with a no-hitter until Dean Ferrara broke it up with a triple in the seventh. It was a contrast to games one and two, where the Miners were able to compete with the Boulders’ elite bats.
Despite this, they gave themselves a fighting chance in the ninth. Hunter D’Amato’s single to center field that brought Edwin Mateo home made it 5-1. Later in the inning, a walk to Mahki Backstrom loaded the bases. But it was just not meant to be. Keenan O’Brien and Kiko Romero could not capitalize, and the Miners’ comeback fell short.
A tough loss to swallow, but the Miners came into Pomona needing to win the series, and they’ve done just that. They close the gap on the Boulders and keep their playoff hopes alive. The Miners return to action on Monday when they face the Tri-City Valley Cats to kick off a three-game set. First pitch is scheduled at 6:30 PM.
Fans can watch live on the Frontier League Network via HTN or listen on Mixlr. Streaming links are available at scminers.com.
Written by Justin Haight
Above: Miners outfielder Gabriel Maciel (photo by Phil Hoops)