Defensive errors and missed opportunities with runners in scoring position cost the Idaho Falls Chukars in back-to-back losses to the Glacier Range Riders at Melaleuca Field.

The Chukars (34-27) fell 11-8 on Wednesday night despite a strong pitching performance from starter Gary Grosjean. Defensive miscues proved critical in the loss, as Idaho Falls committed three errors that led to five unearned runs for the Range Riders. Of Glacier’s 11 total runs, only six were earned.

Making his third consecutive impressive start, Grosjean threw seven innings, allowing only two earned runs while striking out four and issuing no walks.

The game saw several momentum shifts. Idaho Falls jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning with an RBI from Benjamin Rosengard, but Glacier responded with a grand slam in the second inning. The Chukars answered back to make it 4-3, and the teams continued trading runs throughout the middle innings.

The contest remained close heading into the late innings with Idaho Falls trailing 7-5. However, the bullpen surrendered four runs in the top of the ninth inning on three Glacier doubles. The Chukars scored three runs in the bottom half of the inning and had the tying run on base, but Grady Morgan struck out swinging to end the game.

Simon Baumgardt had an outstanding night at the plate, going 4-for-5 with a double and two RBIs from the eighth spot in the batting order.

Tuesday night’s 5-3 loss featured similar themes for the Chukars.

Starting pitcher Connor Harrison delivered a solid performance on the mound, throwing 5 1/3 innings while striking out five batters and allowing just two earned runs. Despite his efforts, Harrison took the loss and his record dropped to 6-5 for the season.

The Chukars managed 10 hits in the contest, with Trevor Rogers, Baumgardt and Jacob Jablonski each recording two hits. However, Idaho Falls struggled with runners in scoring position, converting just one of 15 opportunities.

Glacier took an early 1-0 lead on a solo home run and maintained that advantage through five innings. The Range Riders extended their lead to 3-0 in the sixth inning, but the Chukars responded with two runs to cut the deficit to one. Both teams added single runs in the seventh inning, making it 4-3. Glacier added an insurance run in the ninth inning before closing out the victory.