The Chukars Host the 2nd Annual Chukars vs. Bandits

IDAHO FALLS, ID. -- The 2nd Annual Bandits vs. Chukars Season Opening Exhibition gathered 2,157 fans. The Chukars used the dress rehearsal to beat American Legion's Idaho Falls Bandits 5-3. All proceeds from the game go to American Legion Baseball.

Returning Idaho Falls Chukars player Carlos Garcia used the fundraiser to get the large crowd to rise out their seats. The starting second baseman blasted the game's lone home run in the fifth inning. He also added two additional hits and finished with two runs batted in. His home run jump started a two run fifth inning, the Chukars largest inning of the evening.

Chukars starter Jakob Junis pitched into the fifth inning. The right-hander surrendered two runs, while striking out three. In the exhibition, Chukars pitchers threw to Chukars batters. Bandits pitchers threw to Bandits batters. Jakob Junis was the first of five different pitchers to take the mound for the Chukars. Returning Chukar Zeb Sneed finished the game.

Kansas City Royals first round draft pick Hunter Dozier made his unofficial Idaho Falls debut. The shortstop singled in his first two at-bats and scored a run. Fellow rookie Frank Schwindel tallied an RBI double.

This season, the Chukars will be celebrating 75 years of professional Baseball in Idaho Falls. The regular season begins Thursday, June 20th at Melaleuca Field against the Orem Owlz. On Wednesday, 2013 Chukars Media Day takes place at Melaleuca Field at 2pm.