Owlz fall to Chukars in slugfest season finale

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho-Despite five extra-base hits, the Orem Owlz fell to the Idaho Falls Chukars 10-8 Thursday in the final game of the regular season. Zach Gibbons led the Owlz with a 3-for-3 night and logged two RBIs with three runs scored.

The Owlz appeared to take control in the first with a three-run inning behind a two-run double to left by Gibbons. Nick Flair shot a single up the middle and Gibbons came in to score for a 3-0 lead. The rally came to a screeching halt as Jose Rojas singled to right and Nick Heath caught Flair at home.

The Chukars responded in the bottom of the inning with a bases-loaded double by Joe Dudek to center to clear the bases and tie the game. Dudek scored on a double to center by Manny Olloque. Idaho Falls then took a 6-3 on back-to-back singles.

After an additional Idaho Falls run in the second, Orem cut into the lead with three runs in the third, including a two-run double by Flair.

The Owlz took an 8-7 lead in the fifth as Brennan Morgan roped a line drive to left for a one-out double. Gibbons and Flair came in to score and punctuated the scoring on the night for Orem.

However, one-run lead could not hold for the Owlz. Yeison Melo led off the seventh inning with a single to center, then Dudek drove a fly ball to center for a two-run homer. Olloque immediately followed with a solo home run to left for a 10-8 Idaho Falls lead.

Nick Flair struck out swinging in the top of the ninth to send the Owlz down in order and end the regular season.

The Owlz begin postseason play Friday at Lindquist Field against the Ogden Raptors with a scheduled start time of 6:30 p.m. MT.