Cardiac Chukars Hold On

Idaho Falls, ID -- The streak of nail biters continued for the Chukars at Melaleuca Field. Idaho Falls came back and held on for a 8-7 victory over the Orem Owlz.

The Owlz (19-18) had chances to get over the top in the late innings. Orem trailed by one entering the eighth inning. After a double by Eric Aguilera put runners on second and third with two outs, the Chukars (19-18) made a pitching change to insert Andrew Brockett into the game. The former Richmond Spider made has Chukars debut by striking out Ryan Dalton to end the inning.

Tougher situations arose in the ninth. The Chukars added an insurance run to increase the lead to two. Andrew Brockett retired one batter in the frame before hitting Chad Hinshaw with a pitch. The next two batters singled off of Brockett, to cut the lead to one. Julio Rodriguez replaced Brockett with runners on 1st and 2nd with one out. Brandon Bayardi smacked a towering fly ball to left field the Alexis Rivera settled under. However, the left fielder overran the ball, and it squirted out of his glove. The error loaded the bases. Julio Rodriguez ignited the crowd by striking out Kody Eaves for the second out. Pinch hitter Mark Shannon followed that up with a ground ball to first base that gave Rodriguez his first save of the season.

The Chukars moved over .500 for the first time since the team was 1-0 on the season. The squad is in a three way tie for second place in the Pioneer League South. At one point, the Greybirds were a league worst 6-14 on the year. Idaho Falls has win 13 of 17 games, including three in a row.

Idaho Falls continues the four game series tomorrow against the Orem Owlz. Game two marks the final game of the first half of the season. Yender Caramo makes his second start of the season for the Chukars.