Chukars drop another; now 4 games back, in 6th place

IDAHO FALLS — The Chukars’ hopes for getting back into the win column and staying in the thick of the playoff race on Wednesday were crushed when Yuba-Sutter scored 10 runs in the fifth inning. The Freebirds coasted to a 17-12 victory.

Having now lost back-to-back games against the Freebirds (15-23, 30-56) with less than two weeks remaining in the season, the Chukars (22-16, 37-49) suddenly find themselves 4 games back in the race for the final playoff spot — and behind four teams for that spot.

The Chukars opened this week’s six-game series on Tuesday against Yuba-Sutter in fourth place, 3 games back of the second-place Missoula PaddleHeads (26-12, 50-35).

Starter Ian Lanik pitched around traffic through four innings of work, and after the Idaho Falls offense backed him with seven runs in the fourth went into the fifth protecting a 10-5 lead.

Lanik (L, 2-9, 10.66 ERA) recorded two outs in the fifth, but was lifted after walking one and allowing three hits and two runs. Lanik handed the ball to Eddie Thompson and the bullpen with two more runners on base. Both of those runs scored, as did another five more before Thompson was pulled without recording an out.

The Chukar offense could not land a counterattack, going down without scoring in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth innings. Idaho Falls finally put two more runs on the board in the ninth, but saw the game end with runners on second and third.

Designated hitter Parker Lester powered the Chukar offense, going 2-for-4 with two home runs and five RBIs. Catcher Drew Stengren added two runs scored and three RBIs.

Tyler Wyatt finished 1-for-5 with a run and an RBI, extending his PBL-record hitting streak to 41 games.

The Chukars will need to win the final four games of their final homestand if they are to keep alive their dwindling playoff hopes. They will host Yuba-Sutter again Thursday night, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m.

PBL second-half standings

1. Modesto Roadsters 29-9
2. Missoula PaddleHeads 26-12
3. Billings Mustangs 25-13
T4. Boise Hawks 23-15
T4. Long Beach Coast 23-15
6. Idaho Falls Chukars 22-16
7. Oakland Ballers 20-18
T8. Glacier Range Riders 16-22
T8. Ogden Raptors 16-22
10. Yuba-Sutter Freebirds 15-23
11. Great Falls Voyagers 12-26
12. RedPocket Mobiles 1-37