MUSTANGS' LATE RALLY SOLIDIFIES 7-2 WIN OVER CHUKARS

W: Mena (3-0)

L: Vines (1-5)

S: None

 

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho - The Billings Mustangs (11-4, 34-19) moved to 5-0 on the year against the Idaho Falls Chukars (5-11, 27-27) with a 7-2 win in front of 3,407 Tuesday at Melaleuca Field.

 

Zac Correll made his first Pioneer League start, throwing three one-run innings. He would strike out five batters and allow four hits.

 

The Chukars were able to take an early 1-0 lead when Joe Dudek singled to center to score Ricky Aracena. Seven of the nine Idaho Falls batters were able to pick up hits in the game.

 

The Chukars held onto that lead until the fourth when Billings finally broke through for a run. Jace Vines (1-5), despite being dealt the loss, pitched well for Idaho Falls, tossing five innings and allowing just three hits.

 

Billings tied the game in the fourth and took the lead an inning later when Mitch Trees doubled to left to score Colby Wright from first base. 

 

Alfredo Mena earned the win by pitching three and one-third innings of relief, he would not allow a run and strike out two.

 

The Mustangs solidified the win in the eighth with a five-run inning. Jose Siri started the scoring off with his ninth homerun of the season. He is just four off the league lead in homers. Hector Vargas doubled to score two later in the inning and Wright singled in another run, making it a 7-1 lead. 

 

The Chukars were able to come up with a single run in the ninth, but it would not be enough, falling for the fifth time this year to the Mustangs.

 

Billings will look for a series-clinching win Wednesday at Melaleuca Field. First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m.