Chukars keep pace in second-half playoff race with road win

IDAHO FALLS — The Idaho Falls Chukars remain within striking distance of a second-half playoff berth after beating the Ogden Raptors on the road Tuesday night.

Led once again by the heart of its order, the Idaho Falls offense put up another massive performance, as the Chukars (30-43, 15-10) improved to 6-3 in August with a 21-13 win. The Raptors (39-34, 10-15) continued to slip in the playoff race amid second-half struggles.

Sam Canton and Parker Lester paced the Chukar attack, combining for three homers — two from Canton — and 11 RBIs. Tyler Wyatt added a homer, as part of a four-hit night, to go with five runs scored and three RBIs.

That offense didn’t arrive until the third inning, though, meaning starter Ray Hernandez was tasked with keeping Ogden from jumping out to a large early advantage.

Hernandez (W, 3-0, 8.50 ERA) held the Raptors to a single run through the third frame, before completing 5-1/3 innings of work, allowing 10 hits and eight runs, all earned. He departed with his team ahead 12-8, and the bullpen slowed Ogden enough for their offense to take over.

With five runs in sixth inning, four in the seventh, three in the eighth and two more in the ninth, the Chukars made sure Ogden never had a chance to come back.

The same two teams will continue their six-game set Wednesday night, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

With 23 games left in the regular season, the Chukars will need to finish with one of the two best second-half records in order to secure a spot in the Pioneer Baseball League playoffs.

PBL second-half standings

1. Modesto Roadsters (24-1)
2. Missoula PaddleHeads (18-7)
3. Long Beach Coast (16-9)
T4. Boise Hawks (15-10)
T4. Idaho Falls Chukars (15-10)
6. Billings Mustangs (14-11)
7. Oakland Ballers (13-12)
T8. Great Falls Voyagers (10-15)
T8. Ogden Raptors (10-15)
T10. Glacier Range Riders (7-18)
T10. Yuba-Sutter Freebirds (7-18)
12. RedPocket Mobiles (1-24)