PL Idaho Falls Chukars

Chukars Jump out Early, Cruise to Win

Published on August 2, 2015 under Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release


OGDEN, UT- Wrapping up a weekend series before the all-star break, the Idaho Falls Chukars reigned victorious for their fifth straight game, beating the Ogden Raptors by a score of 4-1 on Sunday at Lindquist Field

Following two straight wins that featured a walkoff and an extra-inning marathon, the Chukars took an early lead over the Raptors that they would never relinquish.

In the second inning, things started off for the Chukars with a one-out triple by shortstop Marten Gasparini. The three-bagger was his league-leading eighth of the season and sixth in his last ten games. One batter later, catcher Nick Dini brought him in with a booming two-run homer that travelled 419 feet to give Idaho Falls a 2-0 lead.

Fortunately for Idaho Falls, that lead was plenty for Chukars starter Derek Gordon and company. The 24-year-old righty earned his first affiliated win in affiliated baseball by scattering one run on three hits though six innings to improve to 1-2 on the year. As the Chukars ace, his earned run average dropped to 3.38 on the season, good for third in the league while his 41 strikeouts rank fourth among Pioneer League pitchers.

His only blemish was a run-scoring single given up to Raptors outfielder in the sixth inning.

Aside from Gordon, the Chukars got two scoreless frames from Royals 2nd rounder Josh Staumont. The hard-throwing righty has now given up just two runs over his last five appearances, spanning 10.2 innings.

Offensively, the Chukars got their insurance runs on a wild pitch in the fifth inning and on a sacrifice fly from outfielder Amalani Fukofuka in the seventh inning. Idaho Falls was paced by five players with two hits apiece.

The victory for the Chukars gives them a season-high five wins in a row. It's the longest win streak for Idaho Falls since late June of 2014. They now sit three games ahead of the Grand Junction Rockies and four games ahead of the Ogden Raptors for first place in the Pioneer League South division over the second half.

Idaho Falls also has the best record in the Pioneer League (5-1) going into the All-Star break.

Following the all-star break, the Idaho Falls Chukars will return to action on Thursday as they begin a week-long roadtrip to Montana with a series against the Helena Brewers.

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

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Pioneer League Stories from August 2, 2015


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