Dale Bunts Home Walk-Off Winner for Chukars
July 19, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release
IDAHO FALLS, ID - For their second walkoff win in four days, a game-winning bunt by third basemen Ryan Dale helped lead the Idaho Falls Chukars to a 4-3 victory against the Great Falls Voyagers in 11 innings on Sunday afternoon at Melaleuca Field.
Following a game that featured 19 runs the previous night, the Chukars and Voyagers could only muster six runs in normal regulation time.
Idaho Falls got the scoring going in the first with an RBI groundout from Amalani Fukofuka to make the score 1-0. The score stayed that way until the fourth inning where a triple from shortstop Marten Gasparini and then an error on the next play from the Voyagers allowed the Chukars to go up by two.
Unfortunately, the lead would not last very long. With two outs in the top of the fifth inning, a sun-aided two-run double from Great Falls infielder Johan Cruz against Idaho Falls starter Todd Eaton tied the game up at 2-2. Those were the only two runs scored off Eaton in five innings, as he gave up seven hits and struck out two en route to a no-decision.
For the Voyagers, the only other run that they would score was in the sixth inning after three walks from lefty Brandon Thomas and an error by the Chukars infield allowed Frank Califano to touch home to make the score 3-2. Thomas went on to throw the remaining four innings of his outing scoreless to keep Idaho Falls in the game, striking out three in the process.
In dramatic fashion, the Chukars waited until the ninth inning to tie up the game. After third basemen Jeckson Flores drew a one-out walk, catcher Pedro Gonzalez crushed an RBI double to right-center field that plated Flores from first to tie up the game at three.
After Thomas and lefty Ian Tompkins (W, 2-0) combined to shutout the Voyagers through the first two frames of extra innings, Gasparini gave the Chukars the start to their game-winning inning with a leadoff single. Following a sacrifice bunt from Flores to advance Gasparini to second, he stole third against righty Drew Hasler (L, 1-1). During the next at-bat, Dale pushed a bunt down the first base line that allowed Gasparini to score without a throw to win the game.
For the Chukars, the win was their fourth in the last five games.
Idaho Falls will play game three of a four-game series against Great Falls on Monday night at Melaleuca Field. The Chukars will send RHP Daniel Concepcion to the hill while the Voyagers will counter with LHP Tanner Banks. 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 19, 2015
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- Voyagers Game Notes: July 19 at Idaho Falls - Great Falls Voyagers
- Diaz Homers Twice, Guides Osprey to 10-5 Victory - Missoula PaddleHeads
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- Late Innings Doom Ogden - Ogden Raptors
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