Chukars Wallop, Sweep Missoula
July 18, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release
IDAHO FALLS, ID - To cap off a three-game sweep in a series at Melaleuca Field, the Idaho Falls Chukars routed the Missoula Osprey by a score of 13-4 on Friday night.
Starting in the first inning, the Chukars started their offensive barrage against Osprey starter Dallas Newton (L, 0-2). Beginning with a RBI single from Thursday's hero Roman Collins and a sacrifice fly by first basemen Josh Banuelos in the first inning, the Chukars then scored runs in consecutive innings on wild pitches to take a 4-0 lead after three innings.
That lead was plenty for Idaho Falls starter Derek Gordon and the rest of the pitching staff, as a run in the fifth inning was the only blemish of his night. Despite not getting the victory because he only tossed 4.2 innings, Gordon gave up just one earned run for the second consecutive start and tied a season-high with seven strikeouts. The 24-year-old righty now ranks third in the Pioneer League with 28 punchouts.
By relieving Gordon with two outs in the fifth inning and tossing 2.1 scoreless, hitless innings, righty Alberto Rodriguez improved to 2-0 on the season as the pitcher of record. Rodriguez has yet to give up an earned run in seven appearances this year, spanning 13 innings.
Offensively, the Chukars scored nine insurance runs combined in the sixth and eighth innings to roll to a victory. The first scoring splurge featured a two-run single by outfielder Amalani Fukofuka, bases-loaded walk drawn by second basemen DJ Burt and a RBI single from Banuelos. In the eighth, Idaho Falls then got five runs on two errors by the Osprey defense, a run-scoring groundout from Collins and a three-run homer by designated hitter Ryan Dale.
For Dale, the homer was the first of his three-year professional career. The Australian-born infielder also was hit by two pitches.
In total, the Chukurs churned out as many hits (10) as walks drawn (10). Burt led the way with three walks drawn and four runs scored, while Fukofuka was the only player with more than one hits for Idaho Falls, going 3-for-5 with his tenth double of the season.
From a pitching perspective, Idaho Falls gave up the only other three runs of the game in the eighth inning.
The win for the Chukars clinched them their first series sweep of three games or longer since 2013 (August 21-23) against Billings. They also have a season-high three straight wins for the second time this season, the other time being June 21-23.
Idaho Falls will continue the second leg of their week-long homestand by welcoming the Great Falls Voyagers to Melaleuca Field starting on Saturday night. The Chukars will send LHP Dylan Sons to the hill while the Voyagers will counter with RHP Evin Einhardt. 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.
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 18, 2015
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- Brewers Pitching Shuts Down Rockies - Helena Brewers
- Voyagers Game Notes: July 18 at Idaho Falls - Great Falls Voyagers
- Raptors Walk-Off Voyagers 5-4 - Ogden Raptors
- Chukars Wallop, Sweep Missoula - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Osprey Drop Third Straight - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Owlz Get Back on Winning Track in Doubleheader Wins - Northern Colorado Owlz
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