PL Idaho Falls Chukars

Chukars Bats Break out for 11-7 Win

July 30, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release


IDAHO FALLS, ID- Two nights after being one-hit for the first time since 2005 by the Orem Owlz, the Idaho Falls Chukars returned the favor with a 15-hit barrage that lead to an 11-7 victory on Wednesday night at Melaleuca Field.

While the Chukars ultimately churned out a double-digit run for the eighth time this year to roll to a victory, it was the Owlz that would up scoring first in the initial frame against Chukars starter Hunter Haynes. After an error by the Chukars defense to start the game, three straight hits capped off by a RBI single from catcher Taylor Ward put the Owlz on the board. One batter later, a sacrifice fly by designated hitter Jeff Boehm made the score 2-0.

For his part, Haynes shutout the Owlz through his final three innings of his start to keep the Chukars in the game.

Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the fourth innings, the Chukars began an offensive surge that featured nine runs and ten hits over a two-inning span.

In the fourth inning, the Chukars sent nine batters to the plate and scored five runs off of Owlz lefty Tyler Watson (L, 1-3) to take the lead. The frame featured RBI singles from catcher Nick Dini, first basemen Logan Nottebrok and third basemen Jeckson Flores as well as a two-run triple by shortstop Marten Gasparini to make the score 5-2.

One inning later, another RBI triple from Gasparini sparked another rally that put the Chukars up for good. The two-triple and three-hit night from Gasparini gives him five three-baggers over his last six games and a league-high seven this year. The Royals 17th ranked prospect (per MLB Pipeline) has also raised his batting average 25 points (.205 to .230) in the last two games with five hits in eight at-bats.

Idaho Falls also got RBI singles from designated hitter Brawlun Gomez and outfielder Roman Collins in the fifth inning against Owls righty Aaron Rhodes. Another run scored on an accompanying error from the Orem defense to give the Chukars their final run of the frame.

After the Owlz scored a run in the fifth and four unanswered runs from the top of the sixth to eighth innings to make it a two-run game, a two-run single from outfielder Amalani Fukofulka gave Idaho Falls proper insurance runs to come away with the victory.

On the pitching side, lefty Brandon Thomas improved to 1-1 on the year after tossing 1.2 innings of relief. Southpaw also Tripp Davis held together the Chukars lead with 1.1 innings of scoreless relief and rookie Matt Portland earned his second save of the year by giving up just one unearned run in the final two innings of the game.

Offensively, the Chukars had six players with two or more hits. Gasparini lead the way with three hits while Collins, Fukofuka, Flores and Gomes each had two. Second basemen DJ Burt also chipped in with two hits and scored three runs as well.

After a series-ending victory agains the Owlz, the Chukars will welcome the Ogden Raptors to town for a short two-game set. Idaho Falls will send RHP Daniel Concepcion to the hill while the Raptors will counter with lefty Michael Boyle. First pitch is at 7:15 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.

Check out the Idaho Falls Chukars Statistics



Pioneer League Stories from July 30, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central