Voyagers Squander Early Lead to Chukars
July 19, 2014 - Pioneer League (PL)
Great Falls Voyagers News Release
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho - The Great Falls Voyagers jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, but could not hold it and have now lost three straight road games for the first time this season after losing 8-7 to the Idaho Falls Chukars Saturday night at Melaleuca Field.
Just as they did on Friday in Ogden, the Voyagers (18-14) jumped out to an early lead. After Idaho Falls starter Brooks Pounders retired the first two he faced, Great Falls went to work, putting together five consecutive hits. Jake Peter started the rally with a triple, then came home when Zach Fisher singled to collect his team-leading 21st RBI.
Mason Robbins and Patrick Palmeiro then followed with singles of their own, with Palmeiro's producing the Voyagers second run of the frame. Dillon Haupt capped the inning's scoring, doubling down the line in left to bring home two more.
The Voyagers then did some more two-out damage in the second. This time it was four straight singles after two were retired in the inning with Robbins driving in Peter to make it 5-0.
Idaho Falls (18-14) started to climb back into it against Great Falls starter Chris Freudenberg in the second, scoring two when Brandon Thomasson doubled home a pair. The second was just the beginning for the Chukars who scored at least one run in six straight innings.
After single runs in the third and fourth closed the gap to one, the Chukars took the lead with two more in the fifth against Freudenberg. Kyle Pollock tied the game with a sacrifice fly, then Thomasson gave the Chukars their first lead with a run-producing single.
The Chukars added another in the sixth to make it a two-run cushion, but Great Falls had an answer. Palmeiro launched a two-run shot, his third of the year, in the seventh to knot the score at 7-7.
Idaho Falls came right back in the bottom half with what ended up being the contest's decisive run. With two outs, Corey Toups picked up an RBI single off of reliever Alex Powers (0-1) to put the home team back in front.
Sam Lewis (1-0) then retired the Voyagers in order for the second straight inning in the ninth to wrap things up.
With the Great Falls loss and Missoula win, the Voyagers lead in the Pioneer League North Division is now three games with six left to play in the first half.
The Voyagers and Chukars continue their four-game series Sunday afternoon at Melaleuca Field. Great Falls will send right-hander Matt Ball (2-1 4.15) to the mound, while Idaho Falls will turn to fellow righty Jake Newberry (3-0, 2.28). First pitch is set for 4:00 and coverage will begin at 3:45 on 1400 AM KXGF and gfvoyagers.com.
Pioneer League Stories from July 19, 2014
- Voyagers Squander Early Lead to Chukars - Great Falls Voyagers
- Pair of Four-Run Innings Propel Osprey to Win - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Voyagers Game Notes: July 19 at Idaho Falls - Great Falls Voyagers
- Bennie Robinson Joins Missoula - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Owlz Shut out Brewers to Claim Series Finale - Northern Colorado Owlz
- Chukars' Lead Slips in 10-9 Loss - Idaho Falls Chukars
- Owlz Shut out Brewers 5-0 - Helena Brewers
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