PL Idaho Falls Chukars

Chukars Squander Late Rally in 6-5 Loss

Published on June 29, 2012 under Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release


In a game eerily similar to the night before, the Idaho Falls Chukars blew an early lead and came up just short with a 9th inning rally in a 6-5 loss to the Orem Owlz at Brent Brown Ballpark.

Just like the night before, the Chukars jumped out to an early lead and seemed to be in complete control with starting pitcher Clayton Schulz mowing through the Orem lineup. Schulz seemingly ran out of steam in the fifth inning however, allowing the Owlz to score six runs over the fifth and sixth to take a 6-3 lead.

Keeping the déjà vu theme alive, the Chukars would rally with a home run in the ninth and actually bring the go-ahead run to the plate with nobody out, but a failed bunt and eventual double play squashed the momentum.

Idaho Falls jumped on Orem starter Jairo Diaz early, scoring three unearned runs on four hits in the first to go up 3-0. Ethan Chapman started the frame with a single, but was caught stealing. Adalberto Mondesi followed with a single and a successful steal and came in one out later on a throwing error by Owlz third baseman Michael Bolaski. Rainier Bello reached on the error and moved over to third on a double by catcher Jin-Ho Shin. Bello would then score on a wild pitch and Shin would come in on an RBI single from DH Parker Morin to complete the scoring.

The score would remain 3-0 through the fourth, as Schulz allowed just a two-out single in the third while dominating the Owlz lineup. Things changed in the fifth, however, as Orem struck for two runs on two hits to make the score 3-2. The offensive awakening would continue in the sixth with the Owlz plating four more runs on five hits to go up 6-3.

The Chukars would score a single run in the seventh when Morin doubled and came in two outs later on an RBI single from second baseman Adrian Martinez to cut the Orem lead to 6-4.

Fast forward to the ninth, and Ysmelin Alcantara started the inning off with a bang by blasting a solo homer to left-center (his first of the year) to bring the Chukars within one run at 6-5. The following batter was Jerico Blanco who, despite being 0-16 this season, walked on four pitches to bring the go ahead run to the plate. Idaho Falls had pinch-hitter Jared Schlehuber waiting on deck, but after Blanco walked manager Omar Ramirez pulled him back and let Martinez attempt a sacrifice bunt. The move did not go as planned,

After fouling off two bunt attempts Martinez swung away on the 0-2 pitch, grounding a tailor made double play ball to short which the Owlz were able to turn two on to squash the inning. Chapman followed by flying out to center field to end the game.

Morin had his second straight good day at the plate going 2-4 with a double and an RBI, while Alcantara finished 1-4 with the solo home run.

Schulz (0-2) took the loss for the Chukars after his rough fifth and sixth innings. Diaz (1-1) got the win for the Owlz despite giving up the three early runs and closer Austin Adams (1) earned the save despite giving up the homer in the ninth.

With the loss the Chukars go 3-4 on their week long road trip and now sit at .500 for the season with a 6-6 record. The Owlz meanwhile have won three consecutive games for the first time all season and now sit at 4-8.

The Chukars will return home and start a five-game series with the first place Ogden Raptors starting Saturday night at 7:15 p.m.

Check out the Idaho Falls Chukars Statistics

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Pioneer League Stories from June 29, 2012


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