Chukars Bash 18 Hits in 13-2 Win

WP- Joe Slocum (4-5)

LP- Jason Seever (0-1)

S- N/A

T- 3:23

A-2,703

Billings, MT—The Idaho Falls Chukars offense torched the Billings Mustangs pitching in their 13-2 win in Billings on Saturday night.

The Chukars struck for three runs early in the third inning off the Mustangs starter Jason Seever. After Tyler Wyatt blasted a solo home run to start the inning, the next batter, Steve Barmakian, doubled off the wall. His hit set up a Webb Little RBI single to make it 3-0 Chukars.

Idaho Falls offense struck again with three runs in the fifth all via the long ball. Steve Barmakian started the frame with a solo blast to right-center field. After a fielding error, the Pioneer League leader in RBI Matt Feinstein launched a two-run home run down the left-field line to lead 5-0 at the midway point.

Jason Seever, in his third start with the Mustangs, completed a season-high six innings but was tagged for six runs on 12 hits.

The Mustangs answered with their only two runs in the sixth inning. After Aaron Bond singled to start, Christian Sepulveda reached on an error to bring up Marcus Skundrich. The former Campbell University catcher doubled to left field to plate two runs and Billings trailed just 6-2. The Chukars would score seven unanswered against the Mustangs bullpen to end the game and hold on to win 13-2. The run output was highlighted by a bases-clearing double in the seventh by Tyler Van Marter to score three and extend their lead to 9-2.

Steve Barmakian paced the Chukars offensively. He finished 4-for-6 with a HR, three RBI, and two runs. Tyler Van Marter and Matt Feinstein also drove in three runs as well.

Mustangs catcher Marcus Skundrich has now driven in five RBI in the series through four games.

The Mustangs (42-49/24-18) and Chukars meet again tomorrow at Dehler Park for game five of a six-game series. Both teams are vying for the final playoff spot and attempt to capture the second-half crown. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 P.M. and don’t forget to catch the pre-game show starting at 12:45 P.M. on ESPN Billings 910 AM/105.5 FM or online at espn910.com.