Every Peninsula Oiler in the lineup either drove in a run or scored a run Thursday morning when the Alaska Baseball League champions opened play with a blowout victory in the National Baseball Congress World Series in Wichita, Kan.
The Oilers thumped the Northwest (Wa.) Honkers of the Pacific International League, 14-1, in a game at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium that was shortened to five innings by the mercy rule.
The game began at 7:30 a.m. ADT after it was postponed by a storm Wednesday night.
Designated hitter Stephen Branca went 3 for 4 with three RBIs and two runs scored to spearhead Peninsula's 11-hit attack. Second baseman Chris Mallory and third baseman Patrick Wisdom each drove in two runs, right fielder Tanner Rust scored three runs, and Mallory and first baseman Troy Channing each scored twice.
Jon Maciel pitched a complete game for the Oilers, allowing an unearned run and just three hits, and striking out seven.
The Oilers scored three runs in the top of the first inning and blew open the game with a seven-run second inning that included Mallory's two-run double, Wisdom's two-run home run, Branca's two-run double and a sacrifice fly by Manny Acosta.
Peninsula, which has won the NBC World Series three times, next plays the San Diego Force on Friday. No game time has yet been announced.
By DOYLE WOODY
dwoody@adn.com