Range Riders Chop Down Chukars and Plate 20 for the First Time This Season

IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO - In a sensational display of power and precision, the Glacier Range Riders (42-30) emerged triumphant with an emphatic 20-4 win against the Idaho Falls Chukars (27-48) Thursday night on the road. The spotlight was firmly on Christian Kirtley, whose exceptional batting prowess sent shockwaves through the opposing pitchers, resulting in an impressive four runs driven in on three hits. In addition, Jackson Raper came a single short of the cycle on one of the best evenings of his professional career.

Kirtley's dominance unfolded across critical innings, with a run-producing single in the fourth, a towering home run in the sixth, and a resounding double in the ninth. His performance stood as a testament to the Range Riders' offensive firepower.

The game ignited in the opening inning as the Chukars made their mark, with Michael Kohn smashing a two-run homer. However, Glacier swiftly turned the tide, orchestrating a breathtaking six-run surge in the third inning. Dean Miller kickstarted the rally with a first-pitch single, paving the way for Ben Huber's strategic hit on a 2-1 count. Raper's electrifying triple on a 3-2 count drove in two runs, followed by Mason Dinesen's clutch double on a 3-2 count. Austin Bates capped off the inning with a precisely placed single on a 1-0 count.

Despite having the game nearly locked away, the Range Riders left an indelible mark with a remarkable nine-run ninth inning. Miller, Kirtley, Raper, Dinesen, and Gabe Howell each contributed RBIs, solidifying their dominant performance.

Pitcher Noah Barros showcased his finesse on the mound, leading the charge for the Range Riders. Barros delivered an exceptional seven-inning display, conceding only two runs on four hits, while striking out an impressive ten batters without issuing a walk. The bullpen, led by Ben Ferrer's two-inning relief, ensured there was no room for an Idaho Falls comeback.

On the opposing side, Joe Slocum of the Chukars faced an uphill battle, enduring a challenging outing of three and a third innings. Slocum grappled with the relentless Glacier Range Riders' offense, surrendering 11 hits and ten runs, striking out two without a walk.

The Glacier Range Riders showcased their might with a trio of awe-inspiring home runs. Gabe Howell's majestic homer in the ninth inning was complemented by Jackson Raper's second-inning blast and Christian Kirtley's impressive long ball in the sixth.

The offensive barrage was mirrored by the team's astonishing hitting display, amassing an impressive 22 hits throughout the game. Raper, Miller, Huber, Dinesen, Bates, Kirtley, and Colin Gordon exhibited exceptional form with multiple hits. Kirtley, Bates, Dinesen, Huber, Miller, and Raper each shone with three hits apiece, leading the charge for Glacier.

This is the first time in 2023 that the Range Riders have put up 20 or more in a game and you have to go all the way back to the opening series in franchise history to find the last time they did it, when they put up 22 and 24 versus the Rocky Mountain Vibes. The nine-run ninth is also tied for the highest scoring inning in franchise history, a mark which was set earlier this year against the Billings Mustangs. Everybody in the starting lineup scored at least one run.

The Range Riders battle the Chuks once again tonight, as they continue their road series in Idaho Falls.