Leaping Catch Dooms Chukars
June 30, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release
GRAND JUNCTION, CO - With the potential game-tying running at the plate with two outs in the ninth inning, a homerun saving catch by Rockies outfielder Sam Hilliard clinched a 8-5 loss for the Idaho Falls Chukars in the final game of a four-game series and eight-game road trip at Sam Suplizio Field.
For the Chukars, they were trailing all night long, starting in the first inning. Following a one-out single from Rockies shortstop Jonathan Piron, a RBI double from outfielder Ryan Stephens put Grand Junction up 1-0 against starter Hunter Haynes (L, 0-3).
After Idaho Falls got a run in the top of the second on a wild pitch from starter Chad Zurat, Grand Junction continued to build their lead in fifth inning with the same players who started the rally in the first. Following singles from second basemen Anthony Brito and outfielder Daniel Suero, Piron launched a three-run homer well over the RF wall to make the score 4-1. Two batters later, Stephens hit a ball to the exact same spot for a solo homer to put Grand Junction up by four.
Throughout the ballgame, the Chukars would keep it close. After another wild pitch from Rockies reliever Juan Pena allowed a run to score in the seventh. Idaho Falls second basemen DJ Burt came through with a RBI double in the eighth inning to make the score 5-3.
Unfortunately for Idaho Falls, Grand Junction countered with a rally in the bottom half of the inning that nearly put the game out of reach. Against Chukars reliever Brian Bayliss, the Rockies got a RBI double from first basemen Elvin Paulino, a sac fly from outfielder Bobby Stahel and another RBI single from Suero to make the score 8-3.
Not without drama, the Chukars did not go down without a fight in the ninth inning against reliever Daniel Koger (S, 2). After back-to-back singles from outfielder Brawlun Gomez and third basemen Luis Valenzuela, consecutive RBI singles from Burt and outfielder Roman Collins made the score 8-5 and brought the potential game-tying run to the plate in designated hitter Josh Banuelos.
However, it was the ball from Baneulos that was brought back from over the RF fence from Hilliard to clinch the win for the Rockies.
Coming off a 25-run, 28-hit output on Sunday night, the Chukars churned out 16 hits while stranding 16 runners on base. Seven of the nine players in the Idaho Falls lineup had two hits.
Idaho Falls will return home and start a seven-game homestand and Melaleuca Field on Tuesday night against the Ogden Raptors. The Chukars will send LHP Dylan Sons (0-1, 11.42 ERA) while the Raptors will counter with a starter that it to be determined. First pitch is at 7:00 PM.
Make sure to tune to Alex Cohen on the MiLBTV, the Chukars Tune-In Radio App and live on ESPN 980 AM, 105.1 FM and 94.5 FM.
For tickets or any other information, call (208) 522-8363, follow the Chukars on facebook and twitter at @Ifchukars or visit www.ifchukars.com.
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