Idaho Falls 11, Orem 2

The Idaho Falls Chukars bounced back from an opening-night loss to the Orem Owlz by putting together 18 hits in an 11-2 rout Tuesday night at Melaleuca Field. The Chukars improved to 1-1 on the season and the team is now averaging 13.5 hits per game after two games.

With the game tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the fifth after a solo home run by each team, the Chukars broke things open. The bottom of the fifth started with a groundout, and then the Chukars scored two runs before the second out. Three more runs were scored with two outs as the Chukars strung together six singles and got help from an Owlz error. The Chukars added another two runs in the sixth and three in the eighth.

Designated hitter Murray Watts was the big story. In his second professional game, the 6-foot-7, 275-pound Arkansas native hit two home runs among four hits and collected four RBIs. Murray wasn't alone in collecting four hits, as two-hole hitter Yowill Espinal went 4-for-5 with two runs and a pair of RBIs. Malcom Culver and Justin Trapp each had two hits, and Cameron Monger ended the night 3-for-5, including a double for the only extra-base hit besides Watts' round-trippers.

In a night with 18 hits the pitching could be overlooked, but the I.F. staff matched the offense throughout. Starter Leondy Perez earned the win after a five-inning debut. Perez allowed only three hits and one walk, while recording six strikeouts. Starling De La Rosa then pitched a single 1-2-3 inning that included two strikeouts. Tyler Graham finished the game with a three-inning save, in which he racked up four strikeouts and gave up one run.

The Chukars were unable to take advantage of four Owlz errors Monday, but the Owlz kicked the ball around three more times Tuesday and this time I.F. turned those mistakes into runs.

The Chukars and Owlz finish the season-opening series Wednesday at Melaleuca Field. Game time is set for 7:15.