Chukars Comeback Negated by Blast
July 22, 2014 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release
IDAHO FALLS, ID -- The Chukars fell behind 7-0 with the Pioneer League's best pitcher Dane Stone and his 22 straight scoreless innings throwing for Great Falls. Idaho Falls ended that streak and tied the game after seven frames. A grand slam home run a half inning later deflated the crowd and propelled the Voyagers 12-8 win, clinching the Pioneer League North first half crown.
The Chukars (18-16) began the comeback in the bottom of the third inning. Great Falls starting pitcher Dane Stone began the inning with a 22 inning scoreless streak, the longest active streak in Minor League Baseball. That came to a close with a Brandon Downes double that scored DonAndre Clark. Three more hits followed the Downes knock, and Kyle Pollock's single scored two more. The Greybirds scored for runs on six hits in the inning.
Three more Chukars runs came across in the fourth frame. Downes and Corey Toups each got base hits off of Stone to chase him from the ball game. The right-hander allowed a season high 11 hits (he gave up nine hits combined his last three starts combined) and a season high six runs. When the inning was over, Idaho Falls was trailing 8-7.
The Chukars tied the game in the seventh inning. Luis Valenzuela walked with two outs, and DonAndre Clark reached on an infield single. Brandon Downes had the game tying single to lock the game at eight. After a Toups walk, Ryan O'Hearn came up with the bases loaded. David Trexler (1-0) struck out the first baseman to end the inning. Idaho Falls stranded a season high 14 runners on-base.
Javier Reynoso continued pitching for the Chukars in the 8th, and started the frame by walking two and hitting a batter. Cruz Guevara came in from the bullpen, and immediately allowed a first pitch grand slam home to Dillon Haupt. The Greybirds have been eliminated from first half division title contention.
Idaho Falls concludes the seven game homestand and four game series against the Great Falls Voyagers tomorrow. Emilio Ogando is slated to pitch for the Chukars.
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