Indians Continue Magic Against Rockies, Win 8-5

To explain Spokane’s success against the Portland Rockies, turn to Tony Miranda.

“We play every day to win,” said the Indians left fielder. “We just happen to win more often against them.”

Miranda lashed a bases-clearing, two-out double to right-center field Tuesday to pave the way in Spokane’s 8-5 victory over the Rockies at Seafirst Stadium.

Portland (25-13) continues to lead the Northwest League’s Southern Division, but not based on its success against Spokane (15-24). The Indians have won the first two games of this five-game series and are 5-2 against Portland this year.

Spokane pulled even with Yakima for third place in the Northern Division.

Miranda’s hit came on a 3-2 count from Rockies starter Jason Romine (0-1), an Omak, Wash., product. The double gave the Indians a 4-2 lead and led to a five-run second - the biggest inning against Portland this year.

Romine worked just 2-2/3 innings, the shortest outing by a Portland starter this season.

“One thing (batting coach) Cliff (Pastornicky) has been working on is getting our guys to make contact with two strikes,” said Indians manager Al Pedrique. “Tony came through in a good situation.”

, DataTimes MEMO: Changed in the Spokane edition