Collins' Walk-Off Blast Lifts Chukars
July 17, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release
IDAHO FALLS, ID - After snapping a five-game losing streak one night earlier, the Idaho Falls Chukars beat the Missoula Osprey in walkoff fashion by a score of 6-4 on Thursday night at Melaleuca Field.
While the contest was ultimately decided on a homerun, the better part of the game featured a pitchers duel.
Following a RBI single by first basemen Josh Banuelos after a triple from outfielder Amalani Fukofuka in the first inning, the Chukars remained up 1-0 through three innings because of a strong outing from starter Brooks Pounders. In his first rehab appearance with the Chukars, Pounders gave up just one hit in three shutout innings while striking out four batters in the process.
Unfortunately for Idaho Falls, they would give up that lead in the fourth inning without the Osprey putting the bat on the ball. With Pounders out the game, reliever Josh Staumont walked five batters, allowing runs to score via a bases-loaded walk and a wild pitch to give Missoula a 2-1 lead. In his debut with the Chukars, the Royals second-round selection in the 2015 draft also struck out a batter and hit 98 mph on the radar gun.
Still trailing by one at stretch time, Idaho Falls got another RBI from Banuelos from a Fukofuka triple in the seventh inning and then a clutch two-out, two-run double by second basemen Jeckson Flores to take a 4-2 lead going into the ninth inning.
However, for the second time of the game, the Chukars would give up the lead in the top half of the inning. After outfielder Jake Armstrong singled against Idaho Falls lefty Ian Tompkins (W, 1-0), a two-run blast by second basemen Raymel Flores tied the game back up at four. Tompkins sent down the last two batters of the inning to set the stage for the Chukars to win it in the bottom half of the inning.
Following a leadoff walk by Banuelos against Osprey lefty Gabirel Moya (L, 1-1), Chukars outfielder Roman Collins crushed the first pitch he saw from Moya over the wall in right-center field to win the game for the Chukars.
For Collins, the homer was the first of his professional career. The walkoff for the Chukars was the first of the 2015 season and the first since August 6th, 2014 against Helena, which also ended on a walkoff homer (Ryan O'Hearn).
For the Chukars, the win gave them their second victory in a row and clinched them their first series win of the 2015 season.
Idaho Falls will continue their eight-game homestand by capping off the last of four games against the Missoula Osprey on Friday night. The Chukars will send RHP Derek Gordon (0-2, 4.50 ERA) while the Osprey 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.
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 17, 2015
- Rockies Bats Silenced in Nikorak's Debut - Grand Junction Jackalopes
- Voyagers Fall on Green Walk-Off - Great Falls Voyagers
- Voyagers Game Notes: July 17 at Ogden - Great Falls Voyagers
- RHP Andres Sanchez activated - Great Falls Voyagers
- Owlz Fall for the Third Time in Three Games - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Chukars Walk-Off with 6-4 Victory; Idaho Falls 6, Missoula 4 - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Collins' Walk-Off Blast Lifts Chukars - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Raptors Even Series with 5-2 Win - Ogden Raptors
- Rubber Match Coming After Another Split - Helena Brewers
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