Idaho Falls wins 6-4
August 23, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release
GRAND JUNCTION, CO --- To begin a four-game series in Colorado and a six-game road trip overall, the Idaho Falls Chukars snagged the series opener against the Grand Junction Rockies by a score of 6-4 on Saturday night.
Fresh off a 6-1 homestand, Idaho Falls carried their momentum into the series opener at Sam Suplizio Field.
Down 1-0 in the top of the third inning after a solo homer from Rockies infielder Jonathan Piron, a RBI double by second basemen DJ Burt started a two-out rally and tied the game up. One batter later, a triple from outfielder Amalani Fukofuka along with an error by the Rockies allowed both players to score to put Idaho Falls up 3-1.
Following another solo homer from Piron to cut the Chukars lead to one, Idaho Falls put together another offensive surge with the help of the Rockies defense in the sixth inning. With outfielder Roman Collins and catcher Nick Dini on base via back-to-back singles, a throwing error from Grand Junction shortstop Brendan Rodgers on a grounder hit by Jeckson Flores allowed both runners to score. One batter later, a RBI single by outfielder Cody Jones put the Chukars up 6-2.
Fortunately for Idaho Falls, that was plenty of run support for their pitching staff. Starter Derek Gordonimproved to 2-3 on the year with the victory, giving up two runs on four hits in 5.2 innings of work. Gordon now ranks fourth in the league in earned run average (3.79) and third in the league in strikeouts (44).
Once Gordon left the game with two outs in the sixth inning, lefty Cruz Guevara threw one pitch to get out of the inning. For the final three innings, righty Josh Staumont shut down the door for the Chukars, earning his first save with Idaho Falls this season while giving up two hits and two runs. With five more strikeouts, Staumont now has 36 punchouts in 19 innings with the Chukars. The Royals second rounder has struck out 22 batters in his last 10.1 innings pitched (four appearances).
Offensively, the Chukars cranked out 11 hits, led by two apiece from Burt, Fukofuka, Collins and Jones. For Burt, the multi-hit game extends his on base streak to 39 games, which ranks second longest in the Pioneer League this season.
The win for the Chukars improves their record to 16-5 in the second half, a season-high eleven games over .500. Idaho Falls has won seven of their last eight games overall.
The Chukars will continue their four-game series against the Grand Junction Rockies on Sunday. Idaho Falls will send LHP Hunter Haynes to the bump while the Rockies will counter with a pitcher that is to be determined. First pitch is at 4:05 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.
Pioneer League Stories from August 23, 2015
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