Chukars Take 5 of 6 Games from Vibes
The first ever six-game series for the Chukars saw them take five games from the Rocky Mountain Vibes in an otherworldly display of offensive domination. Idaho Falls scored 90 runs through the first five games of the series, winning all five by the scores of 15-3, 20-5, 16-14, 16-1, and
The first ever six-game series for the Chukars saw them take five games from the Rocky Mountain Vibes in an otherworldly display of offensive domination. Idaho Falls scored 90 runs through the first five games of the series, winning all five by the scores of 15-3, 20-5, 16-14, 16-1, and 23-6. The Vibes put up a fantastic performance by their defense and pitching staff to avoid the sweep on the last day, winning 3-1.
The Chukars improved their record from 4-5 before the start of the series to 9-6 by the end of it. Despite the success in the series, they did not pick up a single game on the division-leading Missoula Paddleheads. In fact, they fell one game back of Missoula who completed a six-game sweep of the Boise Hawks. The Chukars are now 4.0 games back in the Northern Division 1st half standings.
Sunday afternoon’s game featured new season highs in runs (23), hits (28), runs in a single inning (10), and tied a season high in walks (9). DH Andrew Don hit the Chukars first Grand Slam of the season in the 7th inning; he went 4 for 6 with 4 runs scored and 6 RBI in that game. 2B Jordan Garr had a big weekend as well on offense. After a few nights out of the starting lineup, he exploded for 7 hits in 9 at bats, 4 runs, 3 doubles, 10 RBI and his first home run of the season in the Saturday and Sunday games.
Pitching was a huge part of the Chukars five wins as five of the six starters went at least five innings. The team ERA took a huge drop as coming into the series the pitching staff held an 8.62 ERA and by the end of the sixth game it fell to 6.48. SP Jake Binder pitched two games in the series, taking two decisions: a win and a loss. His record is now 2-1 with a Pioneer League leading 2.16 ERA among qualified pitchers.
The Chukars now begin a six-game road trip against the Grand Junction Rockies starting on Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM for game 1 on June 9th and can be heard on KSPZ 980 AM/98.7 FM and online at 980thezone.com.
Diamond Notes
· SS Alexis Monge had his 12-game hit streak to begin the season snapped on Saturday night. Monge started at shortstop and batted in the leadoff position in a 16-1 win over the Vibes but could not record a hit. He was 0 for 2 but did get on base four times on two walks and two hit-by-pitches. Monge is 8th in the Pioneer League with a .421 AVG.
· The Chukars made a roster move on Tuesday as they released RHP Jordan Scott from the team. Scott in 4 appearances pitched 4.1 innings, allowing 9 runs (6 earned), on 9 hits, 3 walks and 3 strikeouts. He had an ERA of 12.46. Taking his spot on the roster is RHP Daniel Silva, a pitcher from the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs. In 83.0 IP, Silva had only 8 BB and 66 K, with a WHIP of 1.06 and an ERA of 3.47. He will make his professional debut Wednesday against the Rockies when he starts for the Chukars.