Chukars Swept in Double Dip
July 13, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release
MISSOULA, MT - In the first doubleheader of the season for both teams, the Idaho Falls Chukars lost to the Missoula Osprey by a score of 3-2 in game one and 4-1 in game two on Sunday evening at Ogren Park at Allegiance Field.
Following a rainout on Saturday, the Osprey took the initial lead in the first of two contests and never trailed once the rest of the day.
In game one, Missoula got a two-run double from shortstop Isan Diaz in the third inning and a RBI single by outfielder Marcus Wilson in the fourth inning off of Todd Eaton (L, 1-3) to make the score 3-0.
One inning later, the Chukars made the game as close as they possibly could. Being one-hit at the time against Osprey starter Scott Schultz (W, 1-1), Idaho Falls got a RBI single from designated hitter Nick Dini and a RBI double by third basemen Ryan Dale to cut the Chukars deficit to one run. For Dini, the single increased his professional career-opening hit streak to ten games.
Unfortunately for Idaho Falls, that is as close as they would get as they stranded a runner on third in consecutive innings to finish the game. ____ notched the save for Missoula, his league-leading 8th of the season.
In game two, the Chukars were silenced by Osprey starting pitcher Cameron Smith (W, 4-0) and a collection of two relievers.
Sporting a 1.38 ERA coming into the game, Smith pitched five shutout innings, striking out eight batters while giving up just two hits. The eight strikeouts were the most against the Chukars by a single pitcher this year.
Against Idaho Falls starter Brandon Thomas (L, 0-1), Missoula got a leadoff homer from Diaz in the first inning and never looked back. Highlighted by another RBI single from Wilson in the fifth inning and a RBI single by third basemen Tyler Humphries in the sixth inning against Chukars lefty Drew Milligan, the Osprey put up all the offense they needed.
Offensively for Idaho Falls, they scored their only run of the game in the seventh inning on a wild pitch by reliever Cody Clark. The righty walked two batters, hit a batter, and allowed the potential game-tying run to reach the plate before he got Chukars third basemen Logan Nottebrook to fly out to deep left field to end the game.
For the Chukars, the highlights included outfielder Amalani Fukofuka getting a hit in each of the games, increasing his hit-streak to twelve games. The hit streak is the longest in the Pioneer League this season.
Idaho Falls will finish off their seven-game road trip and their four-game series against the Missoula Osprey on Monday night. The Chukars will send RHP Derek Gordon (0-2, 4.50 ERA) while the Voyagers will counter with a pitcher that is to be determined. 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.
Pioneer League Stories from July 13, 2015
- Osprey Game Postponed Due to Rain - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Voyagers Game Notes: July 13 vs. Ogden - Great Falls Voyagers
- Chukars Swept in Double Dip - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Missoula Sweeps Doubleheader to Take First - Missoula PaddleHeads
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