PL Idaho Falls Chukars

Chukars Cruise to 8-2 Victory

July 31, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release


DAHO FALLS, ID- To win their second straight game, the Idaho Falls Chukars romped the Ogden Raptors by a score of 8-2 in the series opener of a short two-game set between the two teams at Melaleuca Field on Thursday night.

Despite controlling the game for the better portion of the night, the Chukars defense allowed them to fall behind early. After the first of a season-high five Raptors errors allowed Idaho Falls to get out to a one-run lead in the first, two Chukars errors in the second inning enabled Ogden to score two runs in the top of the second off of starter Daniel Concepcion (W, 1-0) to take their only lead of the night.

Fortunately for the Chukars, they were the only runs their hurlers would allow all night.

The pitching staff was led by another strong start from Concepcion, who tossed five innings, giving up five hits and two unearned runs while striking out five to earn his first Pioneer League win. Concepcion has not given up an earned run in his last three starts, spanning 14.0 innings. He is now 1-0 with a 1.68 ERA in four starts with Idaho Falls.

To secure the win for Concepcion, reliever Josh Staumont tossed two scoreless innings in exciting fashion. While giving up just one hit and striking out three, the Royals second round pick in last month's draft threw six triple-digit fastballs, with two of them reaching as high as 101 miles per hour.

Finsihing off the game, righty Alberto Rodriguez tossed two scoreless frames.

Offensively, the Chukars were able to retake the lead in the bottom of the second courtesy of a pair of Raptors errors and a RBI single from outfielder Amalani Fukofuka. One inning later, a RBI double by first basemen Logan Nottebrok and a RBI single from third basemen Ryan Dale to get the insurance runs they needed.

Idaho Falls went on to score two runs in the sixth inning and another run in the eighth inning to cap off their night at the plate. A run-scoring groundout from shortstop Marten Gasparini and a sacrifice fly by Nottebrok highlighted the final surge.

Overall, the Chukars cranked out double-digit hits (13) for the third night in a row. Idaho Falls was paced by three hits from catcher Nick Dini and outfielder Cody Jones. Gasparini also chipped in with two hits and drew two walks, giving him his third straight multi-hit game. The Royals 17th ranked prospect (per MLB Pipeline) is now 7-for-11 at the plate over that span.

With one hit in five plate appearances, outfielder Roman Collins increased his hit streak to a season-high nine games.

The win for the Chukars gives them two wins in the first three game of the second half of the season. It's the first time the Chukars have been over .500 during a half since late July during the first half of the 2014 season.

To cap off a quick two game set against Ogden and a five-game homestand at Melaleuca Field, Idaho Falls will send RHP Todd Eaton to the hill while the Raptors will counter with righty Ivan Vietez. First pitch is at 7:15 PM on Friday.

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 31, 2015


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