Mustangs crush shorthanded Chukars; home team could seal series Sunday

IDAHO FALLS — The Idaho Falls Chukars and their cobbled-together pitching staff surrendered 30 runs Saturday — 15 charged to the pitching records of two position players.

The Chukars (8-3) overcame a large early deficit Friday night to earn, at worst, a split of the six-game series. They could not repeat the task Saturday afternoon, falling to the Billings Mustangs (4-7) by a score of 30-10.

Starter Reed Garland (L, 0-1) did his best to eat innings despite an early onslaught. However, he was eventually lifted with one out in the fourth, having been tagged with 14 hits and 14 earned runs — eight in the fourth inning alone.

Having lost one pitcher, Logan Mercado, to affiliated ball, and missing another four due to injury, the Chukars are markedly shorthanded in the bullpen.

Idaho Falls got 1-2/3 innings of one-run relief from Steven Ordorica and Wyatt Hempel. But still trailing 14-2 heading into the sixth inning, manager Troy Percival waived the white flag by sending infielder Garret Ostrander to the bump.

Ostrander pitched an inning-plus, serving up eight runs — seven in the seventh, an inning in which he never recorded an out.

Catcher Johnny Pappas finished the game, allowing seven runs over the final three frames.

Offensively, the Chukars were led by outfielders Jacob Shanks (2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored), Gabriel Vasquez (2-for-4 with a homer, run and two RBIs) and Spencer Rich (2-for-4, a homer, two runs and two RBIs).

Having won three of the first five games, Idaho Falls can still earn a series victory with a win Sunday. First pitch at Melaleuca Field is set for 2:05 p.m.