PL Idaho Falls Chukars

Chukars Blanked in Series Opener

Published on July 19, 2019 under Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release


Billings, MT - The last time the Chukars faced Billings righty Miguel Medrano at Dehler Park, they were held to just one hit over five innings. Tonight, Medrano repeated that performance, holding Idaho Falls hitless over the first 4.2 innings. Billings scored three times in the first and never trailed, shutting out the Chukars 4-0. For Idaho Falls, it was their first loss against Billings in seven games, as well as their first time on the wrong end of a shutout.

In his first road start of 2019, Idaho Falls starter Stephen Ridings got in a hole early. Leadoff man Quin Cotton reached on a throwing error, and Ridings then hit Reniel Ozuna. James Free singled to right, scoring Cotton, and Eric Yang followed with a single into right that scored Ozuna. A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position, and the Mustangs plated their third runs of the inning on a ground out from Jonathan Willems.

After the first, Ridings dominated, as he struck out a career high 11 hitters. He struck out the side in the second, third, and fourth innings, and punched out one in the fifth before exiting the game after 4.2 innings. A two out single from Yang scored on a double from Matt Lloyd against reliever Derrick Adams.

Meanwhile, Medrano didn't allow a hit through the first four innings, and retired 12 in a row after back to back walks to Rhett Aplin & Michael Emodi in the first inning. He had a no hitter through 4.2 innings, but lost it on a double from Kember Nacero. Medrano exited after five innings, allowing just that one hit while striking out seven. In ten innings against the Chukars at Dehler Park in 2019, Medrano has allowed only two hits and no runs.

Idaho Falls managed just two hits over the final four innings against Billings' bullpen, both of them infield singles. The Chukars struck out 11 times in the game.

Tomorrow Idaho Falls looks to even the series at a game apiece as Cole Watts takes the hill. He will be opposed by right hander Orlando Rodriguez. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM, with the pregame show hitting the airwaves of ESPN 980 The Sports Zone at 6:20. The game is also available via the TuneIn app.

Check out the Idaho Falls Chukars Statistics

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Pioneer League Stories from July 19, 2019


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