Chukars gain ground in playoff race with impressive win
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IDAHO FALLS — The Idaho Falls Chukars closed the gap on second-place Missoula PaddleHeads, who lost Wednesday, with a 28-9 victory over the RedPocket Mobiles at Melaleuca Field.
The third-place Boise Hawks also lost, while the fourth-place Long Beach Coast and fifth-place Billings Mustangs both maintained their advantages over the Chukars (18-14, 33-46), who stood pat in sixth place — now just 4 games back of second place and playoff spot.
Starter Ian Lanik earned the win after he, like Tuesday starter Ray Hernandez, slowed the explosive Mobiles offense for 5 innings.
Lanik (W, 3-8, 10.23 ERA) allowed 12 hits and eight runs, seven earned, handing a 15-8 advantage to the bullpen. C.J. Colyer, Ryan Inouye and Eddie Thompson covered the final 4 innings with just one run crossing the plate.
Idaho Falls pitchers have been tasked with keeping the game within striking distance for an offense that has been among the most explosive in the league all season.
Wednesday night, the Chukar bats backed Lanik’s effort with a seven-run second, adding 10 runs over the next three before the starter was lifted. For good measure, the home offense added four runs of insurance in the seventh and seven more in the eighth.
Third baseman Emilio Barrera led the way, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and six RBIs. Right fielder Sam Canton added two hits, including a homer, with two runs scored and five driven in, and designated hitter Wes Mitchell finished 4-for-5 with five runs scored and four RBIs.
Center fielder Tyler Wyatt singled and scored three times, extending his PBL-record hit streak to 36 games.
Looking to keep their sweep hopes alive, along with their playoff aspirations, the Chukars will continue their series against RedPocket Thursday night, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m.
PBL second-half standings
1. Modesto Roadsters 28-4
2. Missoula PaddleHeads 22-10
3. Boise Hawks 21-11
4. Long Beach Coast 20-12
5. Billing Mustangs 19-13
6. Idaho Falls Chukars 18-14
7. Oakland Ballers 16-16
8. Ogden Raptors 14-18
9. Great Falls Voyagers 12-20
10. Yuba-Sutter Freebirds 11-21
11. Glacier Range Riders 10-22
12. RedPocket Mobiles 1-31
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