After scoring 12 runs Tuesday, the Idaho Falls Chukars (32-23) managed just three Wednesday as they split the first two games of the series with Grand Junction.
In Tuesday’s opener, the Chukars overcame an early deficit to secure the victory. Grand Junction jumped out to a 6-2 lead in the second inning, but Idaho Falls battled back to tie the game 6-6 when Simon Baumgardt drove in a run in the fourth inning.
The Jackalopes regained the lead 7-6 in the seventh, but the Chukars answered with a decisive six-run explosion in the top half of the inning to take control for good. Benjamin Rosengard and Tyler Wyatt both drove in runs during the rally.
Wyatt paced the Chukars’ offense with three hits, while Grady Morgan drove in four runs. Shane Spencer earned the victory on the mound, striking out seven batters.
Wednesday’s contest told a different story as the Chukars struggled offensively. Idaho Falls didn’t score until the seventh inning when Jacob Jablonski homered to left field, cutting Grand Junction’s lead to 2-1. However, the Jackalopes quickly responded with four runs in the bottom of the seventh to pull away for good.
Trevor Rogers provided half of the Chukars’ offensive output with two hits, as Idaho Falls managed just four on the day.
