Indians end season with victory

EUGENE, Ore. – The Spokane Indians ended the 2012 Northwest League baseball season on a winning note Friday night. They also played the role of spoilers. John Kukuruda pitched six solid innings, giving up one run on four hits, and the Indians’ bullpen held the lead in a 3-1 win over Eugene in a regular-season finale. Preston Beck led the way for Spokane at the plate with four hits while scoring twice and driving in a run. The Indians got on the board early, scoring two runs in the first inning. With one out, Beck singled to center and Joey Gallo walked. Beck then scored on Ryan Rua’s single to right field. Two batters later, Gallo scored on Patrick Cantwell’s sacrifice fly to left. In the sixth inning, Beck scored on Cantwell’s single to center. Alec Asher struck out the side in the ninth for his fifth save. He also pitched a perfect eighth inning. The Emeralds’ loss, coupled with Vancouver’s 3-1 win over Yakima, moved the Canadians ahead of Eugene in the fight for the fourth and final playoff spot. If Vancouver beats Yakima today, the Canadians will secure the final playoff spot. If the Canadians lose, a tiebreaker will determine whether Vancouver or Eugene advances. Yakima, Everett and Boise have already clinched playoff spots. Spokane ended the 2012 campaign with an overall record of 27-49, worst in the NWL.