GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The Chukars continued their early-season surge with two road wins over the Jackalopes, Saturday.
Playing a doubleheader, to make up for a Wednesday rainout, Idaho Falls (13-3) slowed a bit offensively while pushing its winning streak to five games.
The Chukars walloped the Jackalopes (3-13) on Tuesday and Thursday, winning the two games by a combined 35 runs. They won the two Saturday games by scores of 7-1 and 6-5 — escaping a late comeback attempt in game two.
Starter Nathan Hemmerling (W, 2-0) bounced back from a rough home start his last time out, tossing 5 scoreless innings in game one to earn the victory.
Offensive support came primarily from catcher Thomas McCaffrey (3-for-3 with one run and two RBIs) and third baseman Simon Baumgardt (2-for-4 with one run and three RBIs), each of whom homered in the game.
Game two starter Garrett Van Deventer (W, 2-1) was similarly effective, holding Grand Junction to two runs in his 5-1/3 innings pitched.
Reliever Austyn Coleman was second out of the bullpen, starting the seventh inning with a 6-2 lead. He was lifted having never recorded an out while surrendering two hits, one walk and three runs scored.
Two-way player Chase Hanson bailed Coleman out, recording his first save of the season.
Simon Baumgardt stayed hot, launching his fourth homer of the season, a two-run shot in the sixth inning, to match him with Spencer Rich for a team-high. Benjamin Rosengard, Trevor Rogers and Tyler Wyatt chipped in with two hits apiece, while Gabriel Vasquez drove in a pair of runs.
The Chukars go for a five-game sweep Sunday. First pitch is set for 1:35 p.m.
Current PBL standings
1. Rocky Mountain Vibes (14-2)
2. Idaho Falls Chukars (13-3)
3. Missoula PaddleHeads (12-5)
4. Oakland Ballers (11-6)
5. Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers (10-7)
6. Boise Hawks (9-8)
T7. Glacier Range Riders (8-9)
T7. Ogden Raptors (8-9)
9. Billings Mustangs (7-10)
T10. Grand Junction Jackalopes (3-13)
T10. Northern Colorado Owlz (3-13)
12. Great Falls Voyagers (2-15)
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