Chukars suffer first loss

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The Idaho Falls Chukars suffered their first defeat of the season Thursday night at the hands of Grand Junction by a score of 4-3.

It’s the first-ever victory for the new Rockies’ organization.

Idaho Falls fell to 3-1 on the year with the defeat. Alec Mills earned the loss on the mound for the Chukars, pitching two innings and giving up one earned run on three hits. Ali Williams started the game for Idaho Falls, going five innings and giving up one run on two walks and three hits. Williams struck out seven.

Thursday night’s performance was the first time the Chukars scored less than seven runs on the young season. Idaho Falls tied the game at one in the fifth when Elier Hernandez singled to center, bringing home Travis Lane from third. Lane tripled to put himself in scoring position.

But the Rockies took a 4-1 lead with two runs in the sixth and one in the eighth. The Chukars scored two in the bottom of the ninth, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit. Idaho falls went 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position and left 11 runners on base.

Idaho Falls returns to action Friday night against Grand Junction at Melaleuca Field. Game time is set for 7:15.