Chukars beat Orem behind Smith

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Kyle Smith (1-0) went five innings and struck out 11 as the Idaho Falls Chukars beat the Orem Owlz 11-4 Tuesday night at Melaleuca Field.

The Chukars are now 2-0 for the first time since the club went 3-0 in 2009.

Smith dominated the Orem batters, giving up just three hits and one earned run. Smith finished the game with a 1.80 ERA in his professional debut.

Idaho Falls scored in double-digits for the second straight game. Julio Apricio went 4-for-5 at the plate with two RBI. It’s the second-straight game with multiple hits and RBI for the 22-year old Panamanian. Carlos Garcia added three hits and two runs scored. The Chukars plated five runners in the third inning and scored at least one run in the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th innings.

Idaho Falls hosts Orem Wednesday (6/20) at Melaleuca Field. Game time is set for 7:15.