CHUKS HURLERS LED IF TO WEDNESDAY WIN

CHUKS HURLERS LED IF TO WEDNESDAY WIN

The Chukars earned a 4-1 victory against Great Falls, thanks to stellar pitching and defense, led by a shut-down bullpen effort.

After Tuesday’s 19-16 slugfest of a loss, the Chukars pitching staff could not have responded any better.

LHP Sean Kelby made his third start of the season, and gave his team five complete, while allowing just three hits and striking out a career-high eight batters.

In the top of the first, Great Falls walked in a run and that would be the only time they touched home plate for the rest of the day.

In the second inning, 1B Parker Lester would hit an RBI single, scoring OF Tyler Wyatt after his lead-off double. The game would remain 1-1 until the sixth inning.

In the bottom of the sixth, OF Sam Canton and 3B Justin Trimble would each get on via a single, before OF Tyler Wyatt would work a walk to load the bases.

C Drew Stengren would hit a two-RBI single, giving the Chukars a 3-1 lead. With Wyatt scoring on a wild pitch, the Chukars had a three-run lead they would hold onto firmly.

RHP Blayne Fritcher would be the first out of the bullpen, and toss two scoreless, hitless frames. RHP Ryan Inouye would add another scoreless inning and RHP Hunter Hargett would earn his fifth save of the season, which is third-best in the league.

The four hits allowed by Chukar pitching was the least amount allowed and their one run allowed was the lowest since nearly a year ago, with their 16-1 win in Grand Junction.

Idaho Falls is now 6-1 when holding opposition to six runs or less, and have now played five consecutive games without an error, the longest streak of such this season.

The rubber match of the three-game set between the Chukars and Voyagers will be Thursday evening at 7:05 PM at Melaleuca Field, with RHP Mason Pennington getting the nod.

All games can be heard on 980AM KSPZ the SportsZone and streamed on the HomeTeam Network.

For ticket information, call (208)522-8363.