GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The Idaho Falls Chukars made it three wins in a row Tuesday, claiming a series-opening victory over the Jackalopes at Suplizio Field.
Starter Shane Spencer turned in another solid start to earn the win, and all but two Idaho Falls starter collected at least one hit, as the Chukars (32-22, 5-2) beat the Jackalopes (24-31, 1-6), 12-7.
Spencer (W, 2-1), coming off a complete game win over the Ogden Raptors last week, rebounded after giving up two runs in the first and four more in the second to complete 7 innings. He allowed just three hits, one walk and one run over his final five innings of work.
In four starts with the club, Spencer has pitched 28 innings (seven per game) and allowed 14 runs, to lead all Chukar starters with a 4.50 ERA. His 1.36 WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched) is best among active Idaho Falls hurlers.
The Chukar offense, after scoring two in the first and answering Grand Junction’s second-inning four-spot with three runs of their own, erupted in the seventh to take a lead and set Spencer up for a win.
Taking advantage of some wildness from the Jackalopes pitching staff, Idaho Falls pushed six across to turn a 7-6 deficit into a 12-7 lead.
Both bullpens held the score there for the final 2-1/2 innings.
Tyler Wyatt, recorded a team-high three hits, while also driving in two runs and scoring two more.
In 18 games played since the start of July, Wyatt has gone 29-for-73 (.397), with six homers and 27 RBIs.
Grady Morgan hit his first homer (3) since returning from the Savannah Bananas circuit as part of a two-hit, four-RBI day.
The Chukars will look to keep their modest three-game winning streak rolling, Wednesday, when they return to Suplizio Field field game two of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
PBL second-half standings
1. Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers (5-1)
T2. Idaho Falls Chukars (5-2)
T2. Oakland Ballers (5-2)
4. Rocky Mountain Vibes (4-2)
T5. Colorado Springs Sky Sox (4-3)
T5. Missoula PaddleHeads (4-3)
T7. Billings Mustangs (3-4)
T7. Glacier Range Riders (3-4)
T7. Ogden Raptors (3-4)
T10. Great Falls Voyagers (2-5)
T10. Great Falls Voyagers (2-5)
12. Grand Junction Jackalopes (1-6)
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