SPOKANE — The Spokane Indians snapped their five-game losing streak as they defeated the visiting Everett AquaSox 9-3 Wednesday at Avista Stadium.
The Indians (5-8) had lost six of seven entering the game and pounded out 13 hits including six doubles to even the three-game series at a game apiece. Seth Spivey had three doubles and scored three runs, while Elio Castillo had two hits and drove in three runs.
The AquaSox (8-5) had won six of seven entering the contest and will try to take the rubber match tonight at 6:30. Everett is without No. 3 hitter and Seattle Mariners first-round draft pick Kyle Lewis as he is in Los Angeles for tonight’s Golden Spikes Award presentation. Lewis is set to rejoin the club for Friday’s game against the Tri-City Dust Devils in Pasco.
The Indians broke open the contest with five runs in the fifth to turn a 2-0 lead into a 7-0 advantage.
Spivey doubled in a run, Preston Scott and Jose Merrigan had singles to chase Everett reliever Lane Ratliff. Reliever Paul Covelle then allowed an RBI groundout to Castillo and an RBI single to Todd McDonald.
Ratliff, who relieved starter Brandon Miller and lasted just 1⁄3 of an inning, surrendered five hits and was charged with five runs. Ratliff had allowed just one earned run in four previous appearances and entered the game with a 1.08 earned-run average.
Jordan Cowan’s two-out single scored Jhombeyker Morales and Ray Guerrini as Everett cut the deficit to 7-2 in the top of the seventh.
But the Indians immediately answered in the bottom of the frame. Spivey doubled yet again and scored on an RBI double by Scott, who later scored on an RBI single by Castillon to make it 9-2.
Bryson Brigman singled in Austin Grebeck in the top of the ninth to give the game its final score.
Jacob Shortslef earned the win for Spokane as he struck out four while allowing three hits and one walk in five scoreless innings.
Everett starter Brandon Miller took a no-hitter into the fourth before it was broken up by Spivey’s first double. Then with two outs Castillo had back-to-back RBI doubles to stake Spokane to a 2-0 lead.
Ljay Newsome (2-0, 0.75 ERA) will start for the AquaSox and Tyler Phillips (1-1, 4.15 ERA) will go for Spokane.
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