Unearned Runs Aid Chukars in 4-2 Win
August 20, 2011 - Pioneer League (PL)
Idaho Falls Chukars News Release
Sometimes in baseball you have to take what the opposition gives you, so when the Great Falls Voyagers made defensive errors the Idaho Falls Chukars took advantage as the grey birds scored three unearned runs on three Voyager errors en route to a 4-2 win in front of a record crowd of 3,949 fans at Melaleuca Field.
The deciding inning came in the seventh when the Chukars used two Voyager errors to break up a 2-2 tie and go up 4-2. Left fielder Chris Elder singled to right to start the inning and was followed by catcher Tyler Smith who attempted to sacrifice Elder to second. Great Falls reliever Jamaal Hollis grabbed Smith's bunt and tried to throw out Elder at second, but instead sailed his throw into center field. Center fielder Qualon Millender then overran the ball for another error allowing Elder to score all the way from first and Smith to move safely to third. Tyler Chism would follow with an RBI sacrifice fly to center to score Smith and finish the scoring.
Prior to the seventh, the Chukars and Voyagers were locked in a 2-2 pitcher's duel. Idaho Falls starter Aaron Brooks held Great Falls to just two runs, one earned, on five hits and five strikeouts over his six innings pitched. Voygers starter Stephen McCray, who was a last minute substitute, was effective as well as he held the Chukars to just two runs, one earned, on five hits over five innings pitched.
The Chukars scored first in the second inning, plating their only earned run an RBI fielder's choice by Elder to go up 1-0.
The Voyagers would answer with two runs in the third to take a 2-1 lead, but Idaho Falls would quickly tie the score in the bottom of the inning when Chism doubled and eventually scored on an error from Great Falls first baseman Jimmy Jacquot.
Chukars reliever Spencer "General" Patton (2-1) would earn the win for his two shutout innings, allowing just one hit and striking out four. Hollis (1-2) would take the hard luck loss for the Voyagers after allowing two unearned runs on two hits over his two innings pitched. Cody Fassold (3) earned the save with a perfect ninth.
With the win the Chukars (9-11) assure themselves of at least a series win over the Voyagers (11-9). The two teams will wrap up the 3-game series Sunday afternoon with first pitch scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
• Discuss this story on the Pioneer League message board...
Pioneer League Stories from August 20, 2011
- Giovinazzo's Grand Slam Gives Owlz 4-3 Win - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Unearned Runs Aid Chukars in 4-2 Win - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Chukars win over Voyagers - Great Falls Voyagers
- Odom Leads Charge in 6-3 Owlz Victory - Northern Colorado Owlz
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.
