GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO)-- The Grand Junction Rockies (COL) didn't need a win on Monday night to get into their first playoffs since moving the team from Casper, Wyoming.

Instead, they beat the Chukars 9-5 because that added to the excitement of celebrating.

Jayson Aquino led the Rockies from the hill on Monday with 6.2 innings-pitched, while surrendering just two earned runs and striking out six.

Carl Thomore blasted a three-run homer in the first inning as the Rox leaped out to an early 5-0 lead over Idaho Falls in the first inning.

Note: Cesar Galvez started at second-base for Grand Junction. He was 1-for-5 with a stolen base in his first appearance since suffering a shoulder injury in late June.

While the Rockies were beating the Chukars, the Ogden Raptors defeated the Orem Owlz 4-2, eliminating Orem from the playoffs and ushering in the Rockies. This is the first time since the Owlz moved to Orem in 2005 that they haven't made the playoffs.

The Raptors and Rockies will begin their divisional series the day after the regular season concludes. Game-time is 1:05pm on Friday at Suplizio.

Game two, and game three if necessary, will be hosted by Ogden.