Five-run seventh pulls Chukars even with Ogden

Ben Theriot

The Chukars trailed 7-3 entering the seventh inning before scoring five runs with two outs to pull even with the Ogden Raptors at top the Pioneer League’s South Division.

After Ogden pitcher Antonio Castillo walked Tito Espinosa and Allen Caldwell to load the bases, Ogden pulled Castillo for Fredy Quintero. Quintero induced Julio Aparicio into a line out for the second out.

But catcher Ben Theriot ignited the rally with a two-run single into center field. Second baseman Ryan Stovall followed with the big blow, a triple to center field that brought home two more runs and tied the game. An inning earlier, Stovall, who went 2-for-5, recorded his first hit in his first start as a Chukar since joining the team Thursday. He was 0-for-2 in two pinch-hit at-bats entering the game.

But Stovall wasn’t done. With Marvin Cooper at the plate, Ogden catcher Jeremy Wise let a pass ball slip by and Stovall scored the go-ahead run.

Theriot, who went 3-for-5, extended his hitting streak to eight games in limited playing time.

Left-handed pitcher John Lamb gave up five hits and five runs (three earned) 4.2 innings in his first outing with the Chukars. Ryan Morgan relieved him in the fifth only to give up a walk and then a three-run home run to Chris Jacobs.

Ryan Stovall

But that was the last time Ogden would score as right-hander Cole White threw three shutout innings for the win. He allowed one hit, walked one and struck out one.

Patrick Keating allowed two runners to reach base in the ninth before recording his second save of the season.

At 18-11, the Chukars move into a tie with the Ogden Raptors (19-12) in first place of the South Division. Remember, because the Chukars didn’t make up two games with Casper, winning percentage will not be the tiebreaker if both teams remain tied after the first-half finale August 2. Head-to-head record will instead serve as the first tiebreaker.

The Chukars finish up a three-game series in Ogden at 7 p.m. Monday before returning home for three games against Orem, and then closing out the first half with three games at home against Ogden.