Chukars Grab First-Inning Lead, Cruise to Win
August 7, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release
HELENA, MT- To begin their slate after the all-star break, the Idaho Falls Chukars picked up right where they left off, winning their sixth straight game in an 8-5 victory over the Helena Brewers on Thursday night.
Sporting a league-high 5-1 record coming into the game, the Chukars continued their hot stretch with five runs in the first inning against Brewers starter Nate Griep. Highlighting the frame was a two-run double from catcher Nick Dini and RBI singles from outfielder Amalani Fukofuka, first basemen Josh Banuelos and outfielder Brawlun Gomez.
In the midst of a Brewers rally where they scored five runs (two earned) from the second to the fourth inning against starter Daniel Concepcion, Idaho Falls got a RBI single from shortstop Marten Gasparini in the third inning to go up for good.
Following the exit of Concepcion after four innings, the Chukars bullpen went on the shutout the Brewers through the final five innings of the game.
Headlining the performance of the bullpen, Josh Staumont notched his first professional win by tossing 2.2 scoreless innings. The Royals 2nd rounder struck out six while giving up just one hit over the course of his outing. Staumont has now given up just one earned run in his last five outings, spanning 11.1 innings.
Alex Cohen apalmberg@ifchukars.comThe win was secured by lefty Brandon Thomas, who earned his second save of the year by tossing the final 2.1 innings without giving up a run. As their insurance runs, outfielder Roman Collins contributed with a run-scoring groundout in the fifth inning while he also scored on a wild pitch in the eighth inning. Offensively, the Chukars got two hits apiece from Collins, Gasparini, Fukofuka, Collins and Gomez. The win for the Chukars gives them six straight victories dating back to before the all-star game. It is the first time since 2007 that Idaho Falls has won six games or more in a row during the course of a season. Continuing their four-game series with the Helena Brewers and week-long road trip in Montana, the Chukars will send RHP Todd Eaton to the bump on Friday night. Helena will counter with righty J.B. Kole. First pitch is at 7:05 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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