9-8 thriller goes to Chukars

The Helena Brewers (2-7) lost in extra innings for the second straight night, falling 9-8 to the Idaho Falls Chukars (8-1) on Saturday. It was the Chukars' eighth consecutive win, their longest winning streak since 2007.

Jordan Yamamoto would get beat up in the start, giving up 8 runs on 11 hits in 4 innings. He would not receive a decision.

The Chukars put together their third five-run inning in as many days, and the second five-run first inning in the series. Brawlun Gomez hit a two-run homer, his eighth of the year, in the first to lead the offensive outpouring.

The visitors added two runs in the fourth on a two-run double from Roman Collins to take an 8-1 lead.

The Brewers would then mount a furious comeback, tying the game at 8-8 by the bottom of the ninth.

Drake Owenby, Quintin Torres-Costa, and Jon Olczak (0-1) combined to throw five shutout innings of relief from the fifth through the ninth to allow Helena to make it interesting late.

Torres-Costa, making his Pioneer League debut, tossed three innings, giving up no runs and striking out two.

Helena was able to put together three runs in the fourth and would score seven unanswered over the next six frames.

Malik Collymore put together another impressive night at the plate, going 3-for-6 with a double and two runs scored. It was his first three-hit night in the Brewers' system.

Trailing 8-7, Helena scored in the ninth for the second straight night. Mitch Ghelfi led off with a single and scored on the sacrifice fly of Jake Gatewood three batters later. With the bases loaded and just one out, Jose Cuas attempted a suicide squeeze but it would be caught by first basemen Josh Banuelos who then threw to third to complete a double play and end the rally.

Ryan Dale hit a solo homer in the top of the tenth to give the Chukars the lead for good.

Idaho Falls will try for the four-game sweep over the Brewers on Sunday at Kindrick Field. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m.