IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The host Idaho Falls Chukars shut out the Orem Owlz 3-0 Thursday.
The only runs of the game came from the first three Chukars that came to the plate in the bottom of the first inning. Facing Orem starter Amalio Diaz, Idaho Falls leadoff man Alvi Morel singled back up the middle. After Kurt Mertins walked, Chukar first baseman Jase Turner blasted a Diaz offering over the right field fence for a 3-0 lead that held up.
Diaz (0-1) immediately recovered and retired 14 of the next 15 batters he faced, but the damage inflicted by Turner could not be undone.
Idaho Falls pitchers Everett Teaford, Juan Abreu and Daniel Best combined for the shutout. Each member of the victorious trio yielded just a single hit.
Eight Owlz reached base, but only one got as far as third.
The loss drops Orem (10-7) one game behind the Chukars in the Pioneer League Southern Division standings.
The Owlz travel to Casper for a two-game set with the Rockies that gets under way tonight at 7.