IDAHO GOES DOWN At Melaleuca Field, the Idaho Falls Chukars lost to the Ogden Raptors for the third time in as many days after a difficult first inning. Idaho Falls has already lost four straight games this season.
Garrett Van Deventer, the starter, had to look for the game’s first out with the Chukars (17-9) behind four hitters going into the game. Van Deventer (L, 2-3) was removed from the game after just one inning of work due to six Ogden runs in the first inning and a line shot off his thigh.
Alejandro Espinoza, who pitched four innings and held the Raptors (14–13) to three runs, kept Idaho Falls in the game, but the Chukar offense failed to overcome Ogden’s sidearming starter Shane Gustafson (W, 2-0). Over five innings, the right-hander limited the home team to two runs and six hits.
In the seventh inning, Gabriel Vasquez blasted the only home run (3) for the Chukars.
Despite building rallies throughout the game, Idaho Falls was unable to produce the big hit, which has been one of the team’s weaknesses during its recent slump. Trevor Rogers, Spencer Rich, and Chase Hanson each recorded two hits.
When the Chukars play the Raptors in the fourth game of a six-game set on Friday night, they will try to halt that run. At 7:05 p.m., the first pitch is scheduled.
Present PBL rankings1. PaddleHeads of Missoula (19–8)2. Feelings of the Rocky Mountains (18–8)3. The 18-9 Oakland Ballers4. Chukars of Idaho Falls (17-9)5. High Wheelers by Yuba-Sutter (16–10)6. Hawks of Boise (16-11)7. Raptors of Ogden (14–13)8. Mustangs of Billings (12-15)9. Riders of the Glacier Range (11-16)10. Jackalopes of Grand Junction (10-16)11. Owlz of Northern Colorado (5–20)12. Voyagers of the Great Falls (3-24)
