Blog matters

A sampling from the past week of entries in The Spokesman-Review Sports department blog, SportsLink. Check daily at spokesman.com/sportslink.

Conferences across the country have been holding media days the last week or two.

For Idaho, an independent this season, that means things have been quieter than usual. Paul Petrino took part in the Sun Belt media event (even though UI won’t join the league until next year), and Idaho will hold its own media day on Aug. 23 at the Kibbie Dome.

Here are other key dates to know over the next month for the Vandals:

• Aug. 4: Players report for fall camp

• Aug. 5: First practice of fall (3 p.m.)

• Aug. 23: Media day (5 p.m., Litehouse Center; mock game at 2 p.m.)

• Aug. 31: Season opener at North Texas (4 p.m. PST)

Washington State will spend the first portion of its preseason training camp in nearby Lewiston, a source close to the program confirmed Wednesday.

Exact dates haven’t been established yet for WSU’s trip to Lewiston, though an official announcement is expected after coach Mike Leach returns from media-day obligations on the east coast and in Los Angeles this week.

Construction at Martin Stadium is likely the primary factor in moving practices from Pullman. Only half of Rogers Field is available for use, and WSU split its team between Rogers and Martin Stadium during spring practices.

That’s not quite as feasible during camp with more newcomers on hand, a time when coaches would likely prefer to keep the whole team within one, visible range.

Camp opens Aug. 2. A full schedule will likely be available next week.

The Spokane Indians managed just two runs and 14 hits during a three-game home series against the Vancouver Canadians this week, but they avoided disaster by winning Thursday’s series finale 2-1 at Avista Stadium.

Starter Kyle Castro and relievers Ryne Slack and Mike Zouzalik held Vancouver to five hits, including two infield singles.

The victory allowed the Indians to avoid a 0-3 start to the second half of the Northwest League season.