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Spokane Indians

Indians fan season-high 16 times in defeat

KEIZER, Ore. – The Spokane Indians struck out a season-high 16 times Wednesday while falling to the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes 5-2 in Northwest League play at Volcanoes Stadium.

Volcanoes starter Jason Forjet (3-0) struck out 11 in 6 2/3 innings, including the side in the fifth inning. Eury Sanchez, who earned his fifth save, struck out four in the ninth, allowing Zach Cone to reach first base with two outs after a strikeout and wild pitch.

Spokane’s previous high for strikeouts in a game was 12, set July 2 against Eugene and matched July 15 against Boise.

The Volcanoes lead the five-game series 2-0 and have slowed down North Division first-half champion Spokane for the first two games of the second half. S-K has outscored the Indians 15-6 and outhit them 22-15.

The Indians’ runs came on solo homers by Cone in the second inning and Saquan Johnson in the third. Cone’s homer was his eighth of the season, tying him with teammate Jose Trevino for the league lead, and his sixth since July 13. Johnson’s homer, his third, gave Spokane a 2-0 lead, but the Volcanoes responded in their third with Shilo McCall’s solo homer.

S-K took charge with a three-run fourth against Andrew Barnett (2-1). Sam Mende tied the game with an RBI double to center and Travious Relaford followed with an RBI single.

Eight Indians selected

The Indians had a league-high eight players selected to the Aug. 5 NWL All-Star Game in Eugene, including the league’s top three hitters, infielder Seth Spivey (.365), and outfielders Eduard Pinto (.362) and Luke Tendler (.357).

Also selected to represent Spokane were infielder/catcher Jose Trevino, catcher Marcus Greene, starting pitcher Richelson Pena (4-1, 2.52), and relief pitchers Johnny Fasola and Shane McCain.