Chukars narrowly lose to Ogden Raptors Tuesday - East Idaho News
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Chukars narrowly lose to Ogden Raptors Tuesday

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IDAHO FALLS — In a game that featured the home team coming back from a six-run deficit at one point of the game, the Idaho Falls Chukars lost a heartbreaker to the Ogden Raptors by a score of 9-8 at Melaleuca Field on Tuesday night.

Fresh off an eight-game roadtrip, the Chukars found themselves trailing in the early portion of the game. With the game scoreless in the fourth inning, a two-run homer from Raptors outfielder Michael Medina put Ogden up 2-0.

After Idaho Falls got a two-run single from outfielder Roman Collins to tie the game up in the bottom of the fifth inning, Ogden sparked a two-out rally against Chukars starter Dylan Sons in the top of the sixth inning. After back-to-back singles from second basemen Willie Calhoun and Medina, a two-run single from designated hitter Nick Sell and a RBI single by catcher Jake Hensen put Ogden back on top. An run-scoring error from the Chukars defense ultimately made the score 6-2 by the end of the inning.

However, like they have all-season long, the Chukars sparked a rally in the late innings that got them back in the game.

In the seventh inning, Idaho Falls sent 11 batters to the plate off of Raptors relievers, scoring five runs to take the lead. Highlighting the scoring was RBI singles from third basemen Luis Valenzuela, shortstop Marten Gasparini and first basemen Josh Banuelos as well a two-out, two-strike, two-run single from outfielder Alexis Rivera to put the Chukars on top. Idaho Falls then got a solo homer from Brawlun Gomez in the eighth inning to put them up 8-6.

Unfortunately, the Raptors came back with their own surge in the top of the ninth. Fueled by three walks issued by the Chukars bullpen, a two-run single by Calhoun off of lefty Brennan Henry (L,0-1) tied the game up at 8-8. Two batters later, a perfectly executed double steal allowed shortstop Nick Dean to score the eventual game-winning run.

To secure the win, lefty Michael Boyle (S,1) sent down the Chukars scoreless in the ninth inning while stranding two runners on base in the process. Southpaw Clint Freeman (W, 1-1) got the victory for the Raptors in relief.

Offensively, Idaho Falls got two hits apiece from Collins, Gomez, Valenzuela and outfielder Amalani Fukofuka.

Idaho Falls will play game two of a four-game series and a seven-game homestand at Melaleuca Field on Wednesday night against the Ogden Raptors. The Chukars will send RHP Derek Gordon (0-1, 4.82 ERA) while the Raptors will counter with a starter that is to be determined. First pitch is at 7:15 PM.

Make sure to tune to Alex Cohen on the MiLBTV, the Chukars Tune-In Radio App and live on ESPN 980 AM, 105.1 FM and 94.5 FM.

For tickets or any other information, call (208) 522-8363, follow the Chukars on facebook and twitter at @Ifchukars or visit www.ifchukars.com.

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