PL Idaho Falls Chukars

Chukars Outlast Billings 8-6

Published on August 20, 2015 under Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release


IDAHO FALLS, ID --- To continue a four-game series at Melaleuca Field, the Idaho Falls Chukars outlasted the Billings Mustangs by a score of 8-6 on Wednesday night.

To begin the game, the Chukars bats were able to get to Pioneer League ERA-leader Ty Boyles in the first inning. Sparked by three errors from the Billings defense that helped plate a run alone, a two-run single from first basemen Josh Banuelos and a sacrifice fly by designated hitter Nick Dini gave the Chukars a 4-0 lead.

With starter Todd Eaton (W, 3-4) facing the minimum through three innings, Idaho Falls got a RBI single from shortstop Marten Gasparini in the bottom of the third pushed their lead to five.

Unfortunately for Eaton, the second trip through the Mustangs did not go as smoothly. The righty gave up three runs in the fourth and two runs in the fifth to tie up the game.

In the bottom half the inning, the Chukars bats gave Eaton the run support he needed and regained the lead on a two-run triple from Gasparini. The three-bagger was Gasparini's league-leading 10th of the season. He is now one triple away from tying the Pioneer League record for triples in a season set by three players, the last being in 1998.

One inning later, a run-scoring groundout off the bat of outfielder Cody Jones put the Chukars up by a score of 8-5.

For Eaton, the lead was plenty, as he tossed a season-high 6.1 innings en route to the victory. He gave up another lone run in the seventh inning to chase him from the game.

To secure the victory, lefty Drew Milligan silenced the Mustangs offense throughout the final 2.2 innings to secure his second save of the year. Milligan struck out five batters in the process.

The win for the Chukars puts their league-best record at 14-5 in the second half. They have a three-game lead on the Ogden Raptors in the South division.

To wrap up their week-long homestand, the Chukars and Mustangs will the finale of a four-game series at Melaleuca Field on Thursday night. The Chukars will send RHP Carter Hope to the bump while the Mustangs will counter with a pitcher that is to be determined. First pitch is at 7:15 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.

Check out the Idaho Falls Chukars Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pioneer League Stories from August 20, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central