PL Idaho Falls Chukars

Idaho Falls defeats Brewers

August 9, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release


HELENA, MT --- For the second time in as many nights, the Idaho Falls Chukars defeated the Helena Brewers in extras, winning by a score of 9-8 in ten innings on Saturday night to push their season-high win streak to eight games.

Winners of two straight after the all-star break, the Chukars broke out in the first inning against Brewers starter Jordan Yamamoto. Like Thursday night, Idaho Falls broke out for five first inning runs to take the early lead. The surge was sparked by a two-run homer from outfielder Brawlun Gomez, RBI double by outfielder Roman Collins, RBI single from first basemen Josh Banuelos and a sacrifice fly by shortstop Marten Gasparini.

After Helena scored a run in the bottom half of the first, Idaho Falls scored three more unanswered runs total in the third and fourth inning to go up by a score of 8-1. Fueling the output was a RBI single from catcher Nick Dini in the third and a two-run double from Collins.

Unfortunately, the Chukars were unable to hold the lead for starting pitcher Carter Hope. In his sixth start with Idaho Falls, the former third round draft pick got a no-decision after giving up five runs in five innings.

With Hope leaving in line for the win prior to the sixth inning with Idaho Falls leading 8-5, Helena scored one run in each of the final three frames of the game against the Chukars bullpen to tie things up.

Luckily for the Chukars, they spoiled a golden opportunity for the Brewers to then win the game in the bottom of the ninth. With the bases loaded and one out, a botched suicide squeeze attempt by Brewers infielder Jose Cuas sparked an inning-ending double play to send the game in extras.

In the top of the tenth inning, Idaho Falls got the final offensive contribution they needed to win the game with one swing of the bat. After Gomez stuck out swinging to begin the inning against reliever Jon Olczak (L, 0-1), third basemen Ryan Dale crushed a solo homer to right-center field to give the Chukars a lead they would not relinquish. Dale finished the game with two hits after coming into the contest in the midst of a 4-for-34 slump.

To finish the game, righty Alberto Rodriguez sent down the Brewers scoreless in the bottom half of the frame for his second inning of work to improve to 3-1 on the year.

For the Chukars, the win in extra innings was their second in as many nights and fifth in six games overall. Idaho Falls has won three extra inning games over their last five contests.

The win for the Chukars marks their eighth in a row. With one more win on Sunday, Idaho Falls would tie their longest win streak since 2007, as that team won their first nine games of the season.

To finish off their weekend series with the Helena Brewers and week-long road trip in Montana, the Chukars will send RHP Derek Gordon to the bump to try to complete the sweep on Sunday afternoon. Helena will counter with lefty Jake Drossner. First pitch is at 1:05 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.

Check out the Idaho Falls Chukars Statistics



Pioneer League Stories from August 9, 2015


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