Penrod Leads PaddleHeads Past Chukars in 7-0 Victory

IDAHO FALLS, ID- The PaddleHeads starting rotation had been a strong point in the first 2 games of a 3 game set opposite the Idaho Falls Chukars at Melaleuca Field. Both Alfredo Villa, and Kelvan Pilot picked up wins on the mound in each of the first 2 games of the series. The PaddleHeads were also in search of their first sweep on the road this season. The offense for Missoula was also outstanding in the first 2 games of the series scoring 28 runs over that span. Missoula's offense would have another solid evening with a pair of former Chukars leading the charge. Zach Penrod would  be the highlight however delivering his best outing in a PaddleHead uniform. 

Penrod would never allow the Chukars to build any momentum in 7 stellar innings. The Idaho native would not allow a single run over those innings on 3 hits while striking out 7 to earn his 3rd win of the season. Thomas DeBonville, and Patrick Chung would do the rest offensively with the pair finishing with 3 hits apiece as the PaddleHeads completed the sweep over the Chukars in a 7-0 victory. 

The offense for Missoula provided Penrod the only support he would need in the 3rd inning thanks to the long ball. DeBonville put Missoula out in front with a solo shot in the inning to make the score 1-0. Jared Akins would strike later in the inning with a man aboard hitting a 2-run blast extending Missoula's advantage to 3-0. DeBonville enjoyed another fabulous night opposite his former team finishing 3-for-4 with an RBI and a pair of runs scored. DeBonville has also homered in each of his last 3 games. Chung would make sure the Chukars would never have an opportunity to get back into the contest with more offensive production in later innings. 

Chung most likely entered action this week against the Chukars with something to prove having been released by Idaho Falls during the 2022 season. Chung would go on to have a remarkable series in his first appearance at Melaleuca Field as a PaddleHead finishing with a .529 batting average in 3 games played to go along with 5 RBIs. The Western Oregon product would drive in at least 1 run in each game of the series while also finishing with 3 hits in every game of the series. 

The PaddleHeads would give themselves more breathing room in the 8th inning to ensure Idaho Falls would not have any thoughts about a late inning comeback. Austin Bernard would drive home a run with a base hit to make the score 5-0. Bernard has now driven in a run in 4 consecutive games for Missoula. Chung would also drive in a run with a single and would later score on a wild pitch to make the score 7-0. Chung finished the game 3-for-6 on the night. 

Penrod kept the Idaho Falls order in check through the evening with a devastating fastball that tied up the Chukar order. Idaho Falls never managed to see more than 2 consecutive base runners reach against him in 7 innings. Cody Thompson, and Mark Simon would put the finishing touches on the win, and the series sweep over the final 2 frames in 2 scoreless innings. The duo would only allow 1 base runner over the final 2 innings  while striking out a pair to complete the shutout. 

After finishing this road trip with a 5-1 mark, the PaddleHeads (21-6) will now return home to open a 3 game series on Friday night opposite these same Chukars (11-16). Missoula enters Friday's contest with an 11-1 mark in games played at Allegiance Field so far this season. They also remained 6 games clear of the 2nd place Glacier Range Riders in the Pioneer League North Standings. First pitch from the Garden City on Friday night is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. If you cannot make it to the ballpark, Listen to all the action on ESPN Missoula 102.9 F.M.