Mendonca mashes 3; Spokane notches 6th straight win

KEIZER, Ore. – The Spokane Indians and Salem-Keizer Volcanoes have started new trends this week.

In Spokane’s case, third baseman Tommy Mendonca deserves much of the credit.

Mendonca hit three solo home runs Wednesday night to lead Spokane to a 6-2 Northwest League road win.

The Indians (20-25), attempting to hold on to second place in the East Division, have won a season-best six straight. During the streak, Mendonca is hitting 12 for 27, with four homers and eight runs batted in.

Spokane has also improved its road record to 8-13 by winning the first three games of a five-game set at Volcanoes Stadium.

The West Division-leading Volcanoes, meanwhile, are sputtering for the first time this year. S-K (30-15) lost its fourth consecutive game and has seen its home record go from 14-4 to 14-7, courtesy of Spokane.

Trevor Hurley (2-2) pitched six scoreless innings for Spokane, allowing five hits while striking out three and walking two. Geuris Grullon worked the final three innings for his first save.

Mendonca homered in the third, fifth and eighth innings.

Spokane scored four runs off Javier Hernandez (4-3) in the third inning. Mendonca’s homer came right after Miguel Velazquez’s two-run homer to left gave the Indians a 3-0 lead.