PL Idaho Falls Chukars

Chukars Go Quietly in Loss to Rockies

Published on July 31, 2014 under Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release


GRAND JUNCTION, CO -- In less than 18 hours, Idaho Falls had to recover from an emotional, five and a half hour win at Melaleuca Field, hop on the bus early the next morning, complete the eight hour drive to Grand Junction, and open up a series against the Rockies. After LL Cool J's "Momma Said Knock You Out" was played over the PA during the manager's lineup exchange, there was no evidence of any carry over from last night. Grand Junction's Carlos Polanco calmed down the Chukars and their bats in a 7-2 Rockies win.

Many of the Chukars (21-21, 1-3) played on less than two hours sleep, but still were the early team to rise tonight. Idaho Falls struck first, starting with a triple from last night's hero Brandon Thomasson in the second inning. He scored on a single by Pedro Gonzalez to make it 1-0 Greybirds. Rockies (25-17, 2-2) quickly answered with one in the bottom half, and added one more in the third. Max George's sacrifice fly brought Grand Junction in front.

Pedro Gonzalez was part of the action of Idaho Falls tying it a 2-2 in the fifth. The catcher doubled to begin the inning, and scored on the triple by Luis Valenzuela. However, Carlos Polanco (5-3) stranded Valenzuela on third base, and it was the end of the Greybirds productive offense. Polanco shut the Chukars down, allowing just those two runs in seven innings.

Zach Lovvorn (2-3) allowed the go-ahead run in the fifth. Luis Jean's triple scored Wesley Jones to put the Rockies back in front. Lovvorn pitched well, going six innings allowing three runs, but just one earned. Jean would later homer in the eighth to increase the Grand Junction lead to 7-2.

The Chukars loaded the bases against Craig Schlitter in the 8th, but the right-hander escaped the jam without allowing any runs. Michael Hill and Thomasson struck out, and Cesar Gonzalez grounded out to third.

The Chukars and the Rockies continue the four game series at Sam Suplizio Field tomorrow. Eric Skoglund is scheduled to throw for Idaho Falls.

Check out the Idaho Falls Chukars Statistics

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