Helena 17, Idaho Falls 5

The Idaho Falls Chukars started a seven-game homestand with a 17-5 loss at the hands of the Helena Brewers Wednesday night. This is the first time the Chukars have lost two straight games this season.

The Chukars struggled with strike zone recognition early, while the Brewers had no trouble making contact on just about everything thrown by the I.F. hurlers in the first few innings. Chukars' starter Sugar Ray Marimon was taken out after one and one third innings, as he allowed six earned runs. Brendan Lafferty was first out of the bullpen, and gave up five runs (three earned) in one and a third innings. Three other pitchers took the hill for Idaho Falls, and all three allowed two runs while facing the Brewers.

The Chukars were outhit 18-6, with most of the hits and runs for Idaho Falls coming late. The Chukars scored one run in the eighth and three in the ninth. Allen Caldwell and Julio Aparicio hit back-to-back home runs to make the score look more respectable in the ninth.

The Chukars and the Brewers continue the series at Melaleuca Field Thursday night at 7:05.