(Mustangs media release)
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – The Billings Mustangs (16-8, 31-31) were never able to get their offense going Wednesday night in a 5-3 loss to the Idaho Falls Chukars (12-12, 33-29) in front of 3,083 at Melaleuca Field.
The Mustangs did strike first, getting all three of their runs and four of their six hits in the first two innings of the night. Zeek White led off the game with a single and later scored in the first on a sacrifice to center from Dylan Harris. White then doubled in two runs in the second to make it a 3-0 Mustangs advantage. He finished the game 2-for-4 with a double, walk, run and two RBI.
That is where the scoring would end for Billings, managing just two hits over their last seven innings at the plate. C.J. Eldred (5-2) threw six innings in the start, striking out two and giving up six hits to earn the victory.
Idaho Falls would not get on the board until the fifth inning after the departure of Luis Alecis. Alecis got through four and one-third innings of shutout baseball before being pulled from the game. Alecis has now thrown 10 and one-third scoreless innings over his last two starts. He would not receive a decision.
Nick Hutchins doubled in two in the fifth to get the game tied for the final hit of three in the inning.
The Chukars then rattled off four consecutive two-out hits in the sixth to score two more runs to take their first and final lead of the game. Kyle Kasser and Jose Caraballo each had RBI singles in the inning. Kasser went 2-for-3 with a walk, run and two RBI.
Jake Wyrick threw two shutout innings to finish the game for Billings.
The Mustangs will look to split the series in the finale of the four-game set Thursday at Melaleuca Field against the Chukars. First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m.
