Chukars seal Sunday series win with walk-off walk
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IDAHO FALLS — The Chukars claimed a back-and-forth victory, Sunday, securing a series win.
A game that saw 37 combined runs, and 34 combined hits, ended on a bases-loaded walk drawn by Idaho Falls designated hitters Trevor Rogers. The Chukars (9-3) walked off with a 19-18 win to take four of six from the visiting Billings Mustangs (4-8) at Melaleuca Field.
Billings jumped out to a 5-0 advantage in the second. But the Chukars, like they did Friday, began to chip away with two in the bottom of the second.
The home nine eventually took an 11-9 lead in the sixth, with a six-running inning capped by a grand slam from shortstop Benjamin Rosengard.
Over the final three innings, the two teams combined to score 17 runs.
A five-run top of the ninth sent the game into the bottom half of the final frame with the home team trailing, 18-15. But the explosive Chukar offense, again, had an answer.
Tyler Wyatt started the inning with a walk, but things got dire for Idaho Falls.
Reliever Devyn Lopez entered the fray with two on and no outs, and retired the first two batters he faced. Garret Ostrander reignited the rally with an RBI single. Then, Rosengard was back at it with a two-run, game-tying single. Finally, with the bases juiced, Rogers worked a run-scoring walk to end the homestand.
Chukar starter Austyn Coleman battled for 5 innings, surrendering nine runs but giving his depleted bullpen some much-needed rest. Four relievers teamed up to finish the game, though they were also tagged with nine runs.
Rosengard led the way offensively, with three hits, eight RBIs and one run scored. Johnny Pappas and Spencer Rich each chipped in with a homer, while Rogers was credited with three RBIs.
The Chukars will use their off-Monday to travel to Grand Junction, Colo., where they will open a six-game set with the Jackalopes (3-9), on Tuesday.
CURRENT PBL STANDINGS
1. Rocky Mountain Vibes (10-1)
T2. Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers (9-3)
T2. Idaho Falls Chukars (9-3)
T4. Glacier Range Riders (7-5)
T4. Boise Hawks (7-5)
T4. Missoula PaddleHeads (7-5)
T4. Oakland Ballers (7-5)
8. Ogden Raptors (5-7)
9. Billings Mustangs (4-8)
10. Grand Junction Jackalopes (3-9)
11. Great Falls Voyagers (2-10)
12. Northern Colorado Owlz (1-10)
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