PL Idaho Falls Chukars

Idaho loses 14-10

Published on July 4, 2015 under Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release


IDAHO FALLS, ID - In the finale of a four-game series between the two teams, the Idaho Falls Chukars were outslugged Ogden Raptors by a score of 14-10 on Thursday night.

As the teams cranked out 24 runs between the two offenses, the scoring began early in the first inning.

Against Chukars starter Eric Stout, the Raptors got things started with a leadoff single from shortstop Nick Dean. During the next at-bat, a triple from outfielder Nick Sell accompanied by a throwing error allowed both runners to score and put Ogden up 2-0.

Ogden went on to score in each of the next three innings, totaling four runs that were highlighted by another RBI double from Sell and a two-run homer from Yensys Capellan.

Meanwhile, the Chukars got their offense started in the first inning with an RBI single from first baseman Josh Banuelos. In the third inning, they took advantage of wild pitches and defensive miscues from the Raptors to tack on two more runs as they trailed 6-3 by the end of the fourth inning.

Following two more runs by the Raptors in the seventh inning against Chukars reliever Carlos Herrera (L, 1-2), Idaho Falls put together one of their patented seventh-inning rallies in the bottom half of the frame. Led by more Ogden errors, a two-run triple from outfielder Amalani Fukofuka and a RBI double from Banuelos, the Chukars tied up the game at eight apiece by the end of the inning.

Unfortunately for Idaho Falls, they were unable to continue that momentum into the final two innings. Ogden scored one more run against Hererra and then five runs (three earned) against Chukars lefty Matt Portland to pull away for their third win in four games at Melaleuca Field. Idaho Falls tacked on two more runs in the ninth inning, but fell short as Raptors southpaw Clint Freeman closed out the game for Ogden.

Leading the way for the Chukars offense was Banuelos, who went 4-for-4 at the plate with three runs batted in and reached base in each of his six plate appearances. He is now hitting a team-leading .404 this season.

As a team, the Chukars cranked out double-digit runs for the second straight night and sixth time this year and double-digit hits for the fifth game in a row. Shortstop Marten Gasparini and catcher Nick Dini each had two hits.

Overall, the game lasted nearly four hours (3:56). It was the longest nine-inning game this year for both the Chukars and the Raptors.

Idaho Falls will continue seven-game homestand at Melaleuca Field on Saturday night against the Orem Owlz. The Chukars will send LHP Hunter Haynes (0-3, 12.66 ERA) while the Owlz will counter with a pitcher that is to be determined. First pitch is at special time of 6:00 PM.

Make sure to tune to John Balginy and Alex Cohen all season long on the 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

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pioneer League Stories from July 4, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central