Indians thump Eugene

EUGENE, Ore. – Andrew Clark drove in four runs and Randol Rojas pitched five scoreless innings Saturday as the Spokane Indians topped the Eugene Emeralds 9-1 in Northwest League play at PK Park.

The teams have split the first four games of the five-game series, which ends this afternoon.

The series has marked the start of the NWL’s second half. Spokane won the East Division first-half title while Eugene finished last place in the West.

Clark, who had driven in just one run in his previous six games, had a two-run single to left field in the third inning and a two-run single to center in the fifth.

Rojas (3-2) scattered five hits, struck out three, walked none and lowered his earned-run average to 2.38. Rojas has allowed just eight earned runs in his last eight starts.

Ryan Rodebaugh, Francisco Mendoza and Brett Weibley closed out the win for Spokane. Mendoza, who earned a hold, and Weibley combined to strike out eight in 2 2/3 innings.

The Indians battered Eugene starter Adys Portillo (1-4) for three earned runs in three innings. Portillo also walked five.

Jared Hoying had a two-run double and scored during Spokane’s three-run eighth. Hoying finished 2 for 4 with two doubles and three runs.

No NWL team has played better than .500 against Spokane this season.

Spokane begins a season-high eight-game homestand Monday, starting with five games against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.

Spokane has won 16 of 22 games at Avista Stadium, its home park, but is just 8-12 on the road.