Chukars Cool Off PaddleHeads In 9-3 Defeat

MISSOULA, MT - The Missoula PaddleHeads had been in the win column in every game of this homestand entering Wednesday night. In game 2 of the series opposite the Idaho Falls Chukars however, it would be the visitors finding an early lead in the 2nd inning. Idaho Falls would slowly see an advantage evaporate in the opening game of the series Tuesday after taking an early lead. The Chukars would make sure this night would be much different however thanks to an offensive push in the middle innings. 

Idaho Falls would bring home 7 runs in the 4th, and 5th innings combined to jump to a sizable advantage. The effort in the 4th would highlight this push, scoring 5 runs in that inning. The PaddleHeads would never score more than 1 run in a single inning on the flipside allowing Idaho Falls to stay comfortably in front. Starter Casey Minchey also played a big role in keeping the PaddleHeads at bay over 6 innings of work as the Chukars cruised to a 9-3 win. 

Extra base hits from Jacob Jablonski, and Kevin Johnson would play a big role in the Idaho Fall rally of the 4th that saw all 9 batters come to the plate. Jablonski would knock in a run with a double and would score on a triple in the inning from Johnson. An RBI single from Gabe Ramos also was a factor as the Chukars would jump out to a 6-1 lead. By the time the dust settled after 5, Idaho Falls would have an 8-1 advantage. Jablosnki was 2-for-4 in the win and Johnson would chip in with  a 2-for-5 effort. That would prove to be plenty of support for Minchey.  

The southpaw would control the PaddleHeads attack in 6 innings of work by controlling the zone and inducing weak contact. The former Great Falls Voyager would allow just 2 runs over his frames of work while striking out 4. Garrett Crowley would enter the game in relief in the 7th and would take the Chukars home in 3 scoreless frames out of the pen striking out 5. 

The PaddleHeads would try to get something going in the 6th, and 7th putting runs on the board. Adam Fogel would hit a solo home run in the 6th allowing Missoula to trim the lead. An RBI single in the next half frame from Roberto Pena would see the Idaho Falls lead be trimmed to 5.This would be the last time Missoula would manage to scratch a run across however allowing Idaho Falls to stay in control. Pena would have another solid night at the dish in the loss finishing 3-for-5. 

Brett Barerra would give the Chukars a run of insurance in the top of the 9th on a solo home run to wind out the scoring. Barerra would find himself on base 4 times in the win finishing 3-for-5 with an RBI. Thursday's matchup between these 2 will now decide the winner of this 3 game set. 

The rubber match between the PaddleHeads (16-4) and Chukars (6-14) will surely be a fun night for the fans in Missoula as the PaddleHeads host their annual 'Pride Night' Celebration in support of the LGBTQ community. First pitch from Allegiance Field is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. If you cannot make it to the ballpark for all the fun, follow the action on 102.9 F.M. ESPN Missoula, and 1029espn.com.