Idaho Falls wins 9-8
August 1, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release
IDAHO FALLS, ID- Down six runs going into the ninth inning, the Idaho Falls Chukars mounted a historic comeback that lead to a 9-8 victory against the Ogden Raptors on Friday night at Melalueca Field.
With only three hits and two runs through eight innings, the Chukars began their comeback in style courtesy of outfielder Amalani Fukofuka. Leading off the frame against lefty Clint Freeman, a sinking liner that rolled past centerfielder Gage Green allowed Fukofuka to leg out an inside-the-park homer to make the score 8-3. The homer was the first of the season for the Pioneer League all-star.
Following the roundtripper, the Chukars got a trio of singles from first basemen Josh Banuelos,shortstop Marten Gasparini and catcher Kyle Pollock, the second of which scored a run to cut the Chukars deficit to four with runners and first and third. One batter later, outfielder Brawlun Gomezcrushed a double to the left-center gap, scoring both runs to make the score 8-6 and chased Freeman from the game.
After a pitching change that brought Raptors closer Bernardo Reyes into the game, the righty hit Ryan Dale and walked Cody Jones load the bases. During the next at-bat, second basemen DJ Burt roped a single into right-field to make it a one run game with the bases loaded.
As the Chukars completed a full turn around the order, Fukofuka stepped back up to the plate and drove in Dale on a fielders choice as first basemen Matt Jones threw home too late to tie the game up at 8-8. To complete the comeback, Banuelos hit his second single of the inning that allowed Jones to score the game-winning run.
All in all, Idaho Falls sent ten batters to the plate over the inning, totaling seven runs and seven hits to win the game all while just recording one out.
The six-run comeback marks the largest deficit the Chukars have faced to ultimately win a game since the organization became affiliated with Kansas City in 2004.
On the pitching side, lefty Ian Tompkins improved to 3-0 with the win in relief, giving up a run on two hits in two innings of work.
En route to a victory, the Chukars record improved to 3-1 in the second half. They now sit alone atop the Pioneer League South standings for the first time since 2014, leading Grand Junction and Orem by a game.
To begin a quick two-game set against Ogden down at Lindquist Field on Saturday, Idaho Falls will send RHP Carter Hope to the hill while the Raptors will counter with lefty Jairo Pacheco. First pitch is at 7:00 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.
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