Pitching carries Indians

EUGENE, Ore. – Solid pitching carried the Spokane Indians to a 3-1 victory in the first game of a five-game set against the Eugene Emeralds in Northwest League baseball action Wednesday night at Civic Stadium.

The victory brought the Indians within 1 1/2 games of first-place Boise in the East Division after the Hawks lost to Salem-Keizer 5-0.

Spokane’s Ryan Tatusko turned in a strong performance in his five-inning start, giving up just one hit and an unearned run while walking two and striking out six. He left the game trailing 1-0, but the Indians tied it top of the sixth on Jonathan Greene’s sacrifice fly before taking the lead in the seventh.

In the seventh, Eric Fry tripled. Two walks followed to load the bases before Fry was forced at home. However, Matthew Lawson then came through with an RBI single and Luke Salas drove home another run with a sacrifice fly for the 3-1 lead.

The victory went to Ryan Falcon (3-1), who pitched perfect innings in the sixth and seventh.

Tommy Hunter entered in the eighth and had no problems until there were two out in the ninth. The Emeralds had a runner reach on an error by shortstop Davis Stoneburner, followed by Justin Baum’s Texas Leaguer to center that dropped in front of the onrushing Salas.

Andrew Laughter then came in and picked up his fifth save by getting Danny Payne to ground out on a 3-2 pitch.

In all, the four Indians pitchers allowed only three hits, two walks and struck out 10.

Fry had the big bat for the Indians, going 3 for 4, including a double and triple, although he did not score or drive in a run.