Idaho Falls Inches Closer to the Playoffs

Orem, UT -- With many leagues across Minor League Baseball are ready to start the playoffs, the Pioneer League's race to the playoffs is heating up. A Rockett home run propels the Chukars over the Owlz, giving Idaho Falls a two and a half game lead with six games to play.

The Chukars (38-32, 19-13) found themselves in the positive end of a 2-1 game in the fourth. With two on-base, the squad's leading home run hitter, Daniel Rockett came to the plate. After striking out back in the second inning, the center fielder didn't miss his pitch this at-bat. Rockett launched a pitch in the air and over the left field fence. It gave the Chukars a 5-1 lead. 

After the lead was trimmed to three runs, Idaho Falls added a couple more in sixth. Leadoff hitter Humberto Arteaga delivered again with a two out hit. His double scored Carlos Garcia to increase the lead. Arteaga is second in the Pioneer League with 55 RBI. Elier Hernandez followed that with a run scoring single.

Matt Tenuta (1-0) got the start for Idaho Falls, his second outing with the team since being called up from Burlington. The left-hander retired the side in order the first two frames, and ended up pitching five innings. Tenuta's breaking ball allowed him to tally five strikeouts.

Idaho Falls hasn't been in first place in the division this late into the season since they made the playoffs in 2007. The win snaps a four game losing streak to Orem.

The teams continue their four game series in Orem tomorrow. If the Chukars win the remaining two games of the series, they will clinch a playoff spot.