Chukars drop home opener

Chukars drop home opener 

Gabbert, Hawks pitching too strong at Melaleuca Field

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho - The Chukars had their home opener last night in Melaleuca Field, as they were taking on the Boise Hawks for game four of this “home and home” series. 

Matt Gabbert got the start for Boise, while Dusty Baird was on the bump for the Chukars. Boise got the scoring started early with Sean Skelly hitting a solo shot in the first inning. In the third, Boise added on via the long ball again when D.J. Poteet hit a two run home run. At the end of three, Boise was up 3-0. 

The Chukars didn’t get their first base runner of the game until the fourth inning, when Sam Troyer hit a leadoff single. The Chukars reached base only seven total times in this game, and weren’t able to score any runs. Both pitching units had the strikeouts working, as the Chukars struck out 12 times, Boise struck out 13. 

Boise would add on in the ninth inning, scoring three runs on two singles and an RBI groundout. At the end of the game, The Hawks won 6-0. 

Dusty Baird pitched a quality game in his start, going five innings, giving up three earned, and he struck out 7 total batters. The Chukars have to like the fact that Baird didn’t give up a single walk throughout his outing. Darrien Williams came into the game in the 6th in relief, and didn’t give up a run over two innings of work. Jacob Bogacz pitched the 8th and 9th innings for Idaho Falls. 

For Boise, Matt Gabbert went seven innings in his start, not allowing a run and striking out 11 total batters. He received his first win of the season. Gage O’Brien pitched the final two innings in relief, where he only allowed one base runner. 

The Chukars look to bounce back and move to 1-1 at home this season, as they take on the Hawks at 7:05. 

Notable Performances: 

Dusty Baird

5.0IP, 8H, 3ER, 0BB, 7K

Darrien Williams 

2.0IP, 1H, 0R, 2BB, 3K 

Sam Troyer 

2-4

Bryce Brown 

2-3