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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Indians Can’t Hold Off Rockies

No lead was big enough for the Spokane Indians.

At least not five runs.

The Indians squandered a six-run second inning and two five-run leads as they dropped their second straight Northwest League baseball decision to the Portland Rockies.

Monday night it was 9-8 as the South Division-leading Rockies capped a comeback with a two-out rally in the bottom of the ninth before 6,844 fans at Civic Stadium.

It left both teams with 5-2 records.

Jeremy Jackson, who entered the game with a .182 batting average with no runs batted in, was the hero.

The right fielder went 4 for 6, scored three runs and drove in two, including the winner.

In the bottom of the ninth, Indians reliever Justin Pedersen gave up a one-out triple to Chris Rodriguez. Michael Johns came in to run for him and Aaron Carter came in to pitch for Spokane. He induced pinch hitter Dean Marnell to fly out to short right, but couldn’t get past Jackson, who singled to right for the winner.

The Indians took an 8-7 lead in the eighth when Mike Brambilla, who led off the inning with a single, scored on a wild pitch.

But the Rockies tied it in the bottom of the inning. Kent Zweifel drove in Andrus Mitchell, who started the rally with a one-out walk.

The series continues tonight.