Idaho Falls beats Great Falls

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — The Idaho Falls Chukars picked up a game in the Pioneer League South Division standings as they defeated the Great Falls Voyagers 8-6 Monday night.

Idaho Falls now trails first-place Ogden by two games after the Raptors lost to Helena 5-4 in Montana.

Alec Mills started the game for the Chukars on the mound, but only went three innings, striking out four. Mills gave up two earned runs on two hits and two walks. Joe Lopez (2-1) picked up the win, going three innings and striking out five. Lopez gave up two runs on three hits. Kevin Allen earned his third save of the season.

Ethan Chapman led the way for the Chukars, going 2-for-3 with two hits and a walk. Adalberto Mondesi and Nick Cuckovich each went 2-for-4 with two hits a piece.

Idaho Falls scored two runs in the top of the first before allowing Great Falls to score two in the bottom half of the frame. The Chukars then put four on the board in the fifth and another up in the sixth to lead 7-2. Great Falls plated two runs in the bottom of the sixth and on in the seventh to trail 7-5. Each team scored one run in the ninth.

The first half of the season ends Saturday. The Chukars have four games remaining to earn a first-half playoff spot. If Idaho Falls can pull into first or second place by the end of the first half, the team will earn a post-season berth. The second half of the season begins Sunday.

Idaho Falls returns to action for two more games in Great Falls before returning to Melaleuca Field Friday to host Grand Junction.