Beckley – The Miners came ready to play Thursday night, sweeping a doubleheader against the Johnstown Mill Rats, winning the first game 15-2 and the second 14-2 at Linda K. Epling Stadium.
In the first game the Miners scored in six of the seven innings as starter Andrew Talkington struck out 10 in 5.2 innings of work.
In the second game Miners pitcher Louis Lipthratt followed in Talkington’s footsteps.
Lipthratt faced little resistance, ending the first inning with two quick fly outs and a strikeout. He wasn’t stopping there, ending the second with a fly out and two strikeouts while also doing the same in the third. Johnstown never got any players on base during the first three innings as Lipthratt allowed just one hit, striking out seven in four innings.
The Miners matched Lipthratt’s efforts on the offensive side.
After Juan Familia and Chris Iazetta started off the bottom of the first with back-to-back singles, Malik Williams drove Familia in with an RBI double. The Miners would end the first inning strong with four hits and four runs.
West Virginia poured it on in the second, scoring eight runs in the frame with every player but Talkington and Mac Danford plating runs.
Miles Daniels entered the game for the Miners in the fifth inning, securing three quick outs.
The Rats made an effort to chip into the lead, scoring two runs in the sixth, but were unable to gain any real ground.
Miners Manager Tim Epling spoke about the team’s victory and playing more players.
“I feel good, anytime you win it feels good,” Epling said. “I like the attitude of the players. I think they are one of the most enjoyable teams that I’ve had since I’ve been here. They’re unselfish, they’re here to work hard and that’s what we expect.
“I think it’s good to let them get the jitters out and to go out and just play. That’s what they’re here for. As long as they work hard and are good on and off of the field as far as their attitude goes, we have no issues with them.”
The game closed for the Miners offense with a RBI double from Familia to send Denver Blinn home to make it 14-2.
Both teams will meet again Friday with first pitch set for 6:35 p.m.
