Casper warmed up its bats.

The Ghosts still aren't nearly hot enough to slow down Idaho Falls.

Casper worked counts, pounded out hits and broke out of a few slumps in its first home game of the season, but the high-powered Chukars overpowered them yet again in a 12-9 victory Tuesday night at Mike Lansing Field.

After a disastrous six-game road trip to open the season, shortstop Jeffrey Squier pounded a run-scoring double and a solo home run to the opposite field.

Chad Jacobsen rapped two hits, including a triple to center field.

And Eliezer Mesa singled four times to lead the Casper offense in its most productive outing of the season - but it wasn't enough to offset another shaky pitching effort or an adventurous sixth inning defensively.

The Chukars hardly needed any help, but after the Ghosts rallied to take a two-run lead in the fifth, they creatively handed it right back.

One batter reached base on a called third strike, then scored on a botched pickoff attempt.

A sacrifice bunt was misplayed, and that batter also crossed the plate.

But despite the miscues, the signs of life offensively had to be encouraging for the Ghosts, and they also handled a variety of situations well.

They battled back from an early deficit to take a lead and didn't give away many at-bats.

They strung together hits and looked solid running the bases.

And though the back-and-forth battle dragged on, the Ghosts also provided some entertainment for a big opening-night crowd.

Just not quite as many as the Chukars.

GHOSTS TRACKER

TUESDAY: Idaho Falls 12, Casper 9.

RECORDS: Chukars (6-1); Ghosts (1-6).

ATTENDANCE: 2,094.

NUMBERS GAME: The teams combined for 21 runs on 24 hits in a game that nearly lasted four hours.

UP NEXT: The Ghosts and Chukars will make up last week's rainout with a doubleheader tonight. The first of two seven-inning games will start at 6 p.m.