The Billings Mustangs (3-0) took advantage of four Idaho Falls errors to defeat the Chukars (0-3) on Thursday night 6-5 and complete a three-game sweep at Melaleuca Field.

For the third straight night, the Mustangs struck first as C.J. Valdez drove in Cameron Bowen with an RBI single in the opening inning.

Kyle Micklus added an RBI double in the second to extend the Billings lead to 2-0.

Idaho Falls answered with a pair of runs in the bottom of the second, but the Mustangs responded with a three-run third inning capped by a two-run homer from Adam Cootway to move back in front 5-2.

That score held until the seventh inning as Jackson Betancourt impressed in his professional debut, allowing two runs across six innings in a quality start.

Betancourt would ultimately receive a no-decision, however, after the Chukars plated three runs in the seventh to tie the game at 5-5.

After neither side scored in the eighth, Billings took advantage of Idaho Falls’ fourth error of the night to reclaim the lead in the ninth without recording a hit.

C.J. Valdez opened the inning with a walk before Adam Cootway reached on a fielder’s choice. Following a wild pitch and an intentional walk to Patrick Mills, Michael Soper hit a ground ball to shortstop Ray Peterson, who started a potential inning-ending double play. Garret Ostrander recorded the out at second, but his relay throw to first sailed into foul territory, allowing Cootway to score the go-ahead run.

The Chukars threatened in the bottom of the ninth with the tying run at second and the potential winning run at first with only one out, but Nate Roof came in and retired both batters he faced to earn his second save of the season and secure the sweep.

Hayden Mullins (2-0) picked up the victory while Brandon Ross (0-1) took the loss for Idaho Falls.

Billings is now 3-0 for the first time in the team’s independent era (2021-present).

The Mustangs head to Billings for their home opener on Friday night with the first of three games against the Glacier Range Riders at Dehler Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.