FAIRBANKS, Alaska — The Alaska Goldpanners defeated the Kingsmen in the first game of a three-game series on Friday, outlasting the Kingsmen in a 9-8 finish at Growden Memorial Park in Fairbanks.
Just as in the first loss of the season, the Kingsmen were plagued by walks, allowing ten hitters aboard via the free pass. After starter Nolan Alexander was pulled in the first inning, the Kingsmen trailed by four runs.
Right fielder Ethan Bonocore ripped a triple into left-center field for the Kingsmen’s first run of the contest, scoring himself one batter later. It was a good day for the Kingsmen outfielders, with the three making some needed plays in the field. Additionally, Bonocore and centerfielder Vince Santostefano each logged a multi-hit game.
After six innings, the score was 8-3, and the game looked to be over. A late rally from the Kingsmen saw them plate a run in the seventh, then three in the eighth to make it a one run game.
An insurance run saw the Goldpanners take a two run lead into the ninth, and after surrendering an RBI double to Santostefano, they held the Kingsmen with the tying run in scoring position.
The win saw the Goldpanners win their season opener, while the Kingsmen dropped to 3-2 with their first road loss of the summer.
Dalton Bisbano will be on the mound Saturday night as the Kingsmen square off at 7:00. The game will be streamed on Meridix with Griffin Leonard on the call from Fairbanks.
NOTE: This page will be updated with Coach Joe Hudak’s postgame comments at a later date.