Chukars Double up Orem 4-2
July 7, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release
IDAHO FALLS, ID - To wrap up a seven-game homestand, the Idaho Falls Chukars salvaged a series against the Orem Owlz with a 4-2 victory on Monday evening at Melaleuca Field.
During a season that has been defined by offensive accolades, it was the pitching staff that earned the Chukars the victory against the Owlz.
Aside from an unearned run given up in the third inning and tossing a wild pitch that scored a run in the fifth inning, righty Derek Gordon put together arguably the best start for a Idaho Falls starting pitcher this season. Earning a no-decision, Gordon tied a season-high with 5.2 innings pitched, giving up just two hits while striking out seven batters and walking three. The seven strikeouts for the 24-year-old Nebraska native were the most a Chukars pitcher has had against an opponent this season.
Taking over for Gordon with two outs in the sixth inning during a tie game, lefty Drew Milligan (W, 1-0) earned the victory for the Chukars on the mound. As a 22nd round draft pick of the Royals this year, the Delta State product notched his first ever professional win by tossing 3.1 innings of scoreless baseball to finish off the game, giving up just two hits and striking out three in the process.
Overall, the two runs given up for the Chukars pitching staff was a season-low while the four hits given up tied a season-low, set on June 28 against Grand Junction.
Offensively, the Chukars were paced by outfielder Cody Jones. With an RBI double in the third inning to put Idaho Falls on the board and then another run-scoring double to break a 2-2 tie in the seventh inning, Jones led the way with three hits on the night. The reigning Big 12 Player of the Year out of TCU now has three straight multi-hit games since first donning a Chukars uniform on Friday and has seven hits in his first thirteen at-bats with Idaho Falls.
Aside from Jones, the Chukars got a pair of RBI singles from catcher Pedro Gonzalez and designated hitter Nick Dini. Gonzalez also had three hits of his own while shortstop Jeckson Flores chipped in with two hits, helping pace an offensive attack that had 13 hits. The Chukars offense had now totaled ten or more hits in each of the last six games.
Idaho Falls will hit the road tomorrow to start a seven-game road trip with a three-game series against the Great Falls Voyagers. The Chukars will send RHP Todd Eaton (1-1, 7.47 ERA) while the Voyagers will counter with a pitcher that is to be determined. First pitch is at 7:00 PM.
Make sure to tune to John Balginy and Alex Cohen all season long on 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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Pioneer League Stories from July 7, 2015
- Tuesday's Game Rained out in Grand Junction - Helena Brewers
- Voyagers Game Notes: July 7 vs. Idaho Falls - Great Falls Voyagers
- Raptors Walk-Off Rockies 8-7 - Ogden Raptors
- Owlz Struggle at the Plate in Loss to Chukars - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Chukars Double up Orem 4-2 - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Pitchers of the Week - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- Raptors Take Series Wtih Walk-Off Win - Grand Junction Jackalopes
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