Osprey Balk Past Chukars 5-4
Published on July 27, 2011 under Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release
The Idaho Falls Chukars felt the nauseating punch of a blown game once again Wednesday night, as the grey-birds allowed the winning run for the Missoula Osprey on a bases loaded, 7th inning balk en route to a 5-4 loss at Ogren Park/Allegiance Field.
Idaho Falls actually played the roll of the comeback team after blowing late leads each of the last two nights, as the Chukars rallied from a 4-0 fifth inning deficit to tie the game at 4-4 in the top of the seventh.
In the bottom of the frame however, Chukars reliver Jose Sanchez allowed back-to-back singles and walk, after retiring the firs two batters of the inning, to load the bases with two outs. With Osprey first baseman Tom Belza at the dish, right fielder Chris Ellison began sprinting in from third base. Sanchez tried stepping off the rubber to check Ellison, but when he did home plate umpire Mike Huus called a balk, allowing Ellison to score the go-ahead run.
The balk negated a nice comeback by the Chukars, that saw center fielder Runey Davis drive in two with a triple in the sixth and second baseman Luis Piterson and designated hitter Henry Moreno each drive in a run with singles in the seventh.
Sanchez (2-2) was saddled with the loss after pitching 1.1 innings, allowing one run on one hit, walking one and striking out one. Osprey reliever Keith Hessler (3-0) earned the victory after giving up two unearned runs in his two innings pitched. Frank Santana (4) picked up the save for his 1-2-3 ninth inning.
With the loss Missoula (24-12) sweep the Chukars (15-21). Both teams have an off day tomorrow before resuming play on Friday. The Chukars will host the Ogden Raptors, with first pitch scheduled for 7:15 p.m.
Pioneer League Stories from July 27, 2011
- Owlz Power Past Voyagers in 13-6 Win - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Owlz Bats too Much for Voyagers - Great Falls Voyagers
- Osprey Win 7th in Row, Beat Chukars, 5-4 - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Osprey Balk Past Chukars 5-4 - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Owlz Narrowly Escape Voyagers in 8-7 Win - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Osprey Clinch PL North First-Half Title - Missoula PaddleHeads
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.
Other Recent Idaho Falls Chukars Stories
- Chukars Are Playoff Bound
- Rogers the Hero on Wednesday Night in Boise
- Chuks Win Back to Back
- Chuks Win Third Straight
- Season on the Line with Four Weeks to Play for Idaho Falls
