Miners open up 2026 with dominant exhibition win

The 2026 season is underway after a dominant showing by the Miners in the first of four exhibition matchups on the season. The Miners won 14-5 thanks to a seven run 2nd inning and solid performances on the mound led by starter Collin Alloisio (Sam Houston)

Alloisio set the tone in the bottom of the first by striking out the side. He finished with four innings, allowing just one run on three hits and finishing with five K's. Fresh Utah Valley transfer Colton Ouellette would follow with three innings of his own, allowing two runs on two hits, three walks, and picking up a strikeout. Southpaw Jonathan Anders (formerly Sam Houston) would close the doors in a two inning outing, striking out three and allowing two on three hits. Overall the three arms gave up just five on eight hits but also allowed seven free passes (5 BB, 2 HBP).

Offensively, every Miner had a solid day. Seven picked up RBI's with centerfielder Tyler Akers (East Central (OK)) and rightfielder/firstbaseman Jackson Babcock (Colorado School of Mines) leading the way with three each. Three Miners reached base three times in Akers, leftfielder Blake Yawit (Irvine Valley CC) and catcher Hayzen Inouye (Cal Poly commit). 

The seven run second inning blew the game wide open from the get-go with the Miners sending eleven to the plate and taking advantage of five free passes. They also plated three in the seventh, two in the ninth and one in the first and fifth. 

They play the Chinooks again tonight at Lee Jordan Field for the first of 36 official league games. First pitch is at 6 p.m. and new Oregon State RHP Jaxon Baker gets the start. You can watch on the Matsu Miners youtube.

Ben Cameron
2026 Miners Broadcaster