Lopez, Billings Shut down Chukars
August 11, 2015 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release
BILLINGS , MT --- To begin a three-game series at Dehler Park, the Idaho Falls Chukars fell to the Billings Mustangs by a score of 6-1 on Monday night.
From the first pitch, the Chukars were stifled by a Mustangs pitching staff led by starter Jose Lopez.
En route to the first win of his professional career, Lopez tossed five scoreless innings, giving up four hits while striking out a season-high seven batters.
Unfortunately for the Chukars, they would only be able to muster up one run over the final four innings the Mustangs bullpen would throw. The lone bright spot came in the sixth inning, when outfielderAmalani Fukofuka launched a solo homer down the left-field line against righty Carlos Machorro. The longball for the Pioneer League all-star was his second of the year, first since an inside-the-park homer on July 30 against Ogden.
For the Mustangs, they scored all the runs they needed off of Chukars starter Hunter Haynes (L, 2-6) in the bottom of the third.
With the game scoreless, the Mustangs used three hits and two errors from the Chukars defense and turned them into two runs. Headlining the surge was a RBI single from designated hitter Blake Trahan and a run-scoring groundout by second basemen Hector Vargas.
Billings scored a run on a wild pitch by Chukars righty Josh Staumont in the fourth inning and plated three more in the sixth inning against lefty Brandon Thomas for their insurance runs.
On a positive note, Staumont went on to strikeout four batters in two innings of work. The Royals second round draft pick now has 24 strikeouts in 16 innings this year with Idaho Falls.
Offensively, the Chukars got two hits apiece from first basemen Josh Banuelos and catcher Kyle Pollock.
The Chukars have now lost two straight following an eight-game win streak.
To continue the second leg of their week-long road trip in Montana and three-game series against the Billings Mustangs, the Chukars will send RHP Daniel Concepcion on Tuesday night. Billings will counter with a pitcher that is to be determined. First pitch is at 7:05 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.
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- Lopez, Billings Shut down Chukars - Idaho Falls Chukars
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