The West Virginia Miners ran into some trouble last week losing half their games, but they’re hoping to carry some momentum from their win on Sunday to push through this week. They lost once to the Johnstown Mill Rats, and twice to the Lafayette Aviators. Despite the setbacks, they managed to come out on top with an offensive hot streak that helped them win Sunday’s game.
They will be playing the Champion City Kings twice this week, hoping to take the division’s top spot for themselves.
Like always, team manager Tim Epling is unnerved going into this week and is ready to see what his players can do.
“Tomorrow’s just a different day, we treat the season like we haven’t won or lost any games yet,” Epling said. “I love the attitude of these guys. They’re unselfish, they’re here to work hard and that’s what we expect. As long as they work hard and their attitude stays the same, we will never have problems with them.”
The Miners showed they have the offense to win these games. In Sunday’s game, centerfielder Isaiah Ortega-Jones finished with four RBIs, four hits, and two runs.
First baseman Patrick Mills also showed his heart for the game, finishing with three RBIs, two hits, and never once struck out. Mills has been a key player this season for the Miners, even holding a record this season for total RBIs (41).
Epling just loves to see the pure hustle and energy the team puts into wins like this.
“We found our energy and we went with it. The energy and the hustle these guys put in isn’t something I can tell them to do, they do it or they don’t. I’m happy to see them putting in the work.”
Defensively, Sunday’s game proved the Miners could use some work. Myles Daniels came in the bottom of the sixth to pitch looking to set the tone for the rest of the game. He managed to strike out two players, but not before the Rats could get three runs. One of these runs was helped by an error by the second baseman.
“The pitcher’s job is to take it one pitch at a time,” Epling said. “That’s the energy I want to give them and the energy I’ve always wanted to show them. I’m not thinking too much about it, we’re here to play one game at a time like we always have.”
The West Virginia Miners will kick off this week’s games against the Champion City Kings at the Linda K. Epling Stadium. The first pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.
