Idaho Falls 11, Orem 10

The Idaho Falls Chukars rallied from a 10-2 deficit with a nine-run sixth inning and went on to defeat the Orem Owlz 11-10 Saturday night at Melaleuca Field. The win gives the Chukars the series victory in the first two games of the three-game series and marks the first time the Chukars have won back-to-back games in the second half of the season.

The Owlz faced three different Chukars' pitchers on the way to racing out to the 10-2 lead by the end of the top of the sixth inning. The Chukars, who had score one run in each of the first and third innings, exploded for nine runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. The Chukars loaded the bases with their first three batters of the inning and scored the first run of the inning on a Correy Figueroa walk. Two wild pitches then allowed two more runs to score. Back-to-back walks then loaded the bases again and they were cleared thanks to the first grand slam home run of the season for the Chukars, which was delivered by slugger Murray Watts to tie the game at 10-10. After Malcom Culver singled, he would score what proved to be the game-winning run when Dale Cornstubble hit a double to left field. That concluded the scoring for the night.

The win went to Robert Penny, who made his Pioneer League debut Saturday at Melaleuca Field. In three and two thirds shutout innings Penny K'd five batters.

The Chukars were outhit 18-12, but four players finished with a multi-hit game for Idaho Falls. Justin Trapp led the way, going 3-for-4 with a walk. Culver, Cornstubble and Juan Polonia all went 2-for-4 in the win. Watts had only one hit in five at-bats on the night, but no hit was bigger than his grand slam as he finished the night with four RBIs.

The Chukars will go for the series sweep Sunday afternoon at Melaleuca Field in the home finale. Game time between the Chukars and Owlz is scheduled for 2:00.