OGDEN, Utah — Control problems plagued Chad Zurat of Clearfield in his fourth start for the Grand Junction Rockies Sunday afternoon.
He allowed only three hits but issued five walks during his four-inning outing, helping the Ogden Raptors jump out to a 3-1 lead in the Class A Short-Season Pioneer League game that drew 2,074 fans to Lindquist Field.
The Raptors (8-10) tagged three Grand Junction relievers for nine hits and nine runs, eight earned, in their next four at-bats to romp 12-2 and drop the Rockies (10-8) three games behind the Orem (Utah) Owlz in the South Division.
Zurat (1-1) faced 20 batters and did not have any strikeouts in the first loss of his professional career.
His earned run average rose from 0.68 to 2.08, still one of the best among Pioneer League starters.
In 17.1 innings, he had given up 20 hits and nine runs, four earned, while striking out six and walking seven. He also has hit one batter.