Canadians slam Indians in series finale

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Lane Thomas hit a grand slam and drove in six runs to lead the Vancouver Canadians to a 10-6 Northwest League victory over the Spokane Indians on Friday.

Thomas, who had three hits, hit his slam in the second to give the Canadians a 5-1 lead.

However, the Indians bounced back to tie the game with three runs in the fourth and another in the fifth.

The Canadians responded with Sean Hurley’s solo homer in the bottom of the fifth and then broke the game open with a four-run eighth that included two walks and four hits, including Lane’s two-run double. All four runs were charged to John Kukuruda, the fourth of five Indians pitchers.

Dylan Moore hit his third home run this season to lead off the ninth for the Indians.

Spokane reliever Jason Richmond (0-1), who gave up the home run to Hurley in the fifth, took the loss.

Jamie Potts, Sherman Lacrus, Diego Cedeno and Yeyson Yrizarri had two hits each in Spokane’s 11-hit attack.

Spokane pitchers gave up 10 hits, walked seven batters and hit two.

Indians starter Blake Bass lasted just 1 1/3 innings, giving up four hits, four walks and five earned runs.

The Indians, who won two of three from Vancouver, return home to open a five-game set tonight against the Boise Hawks.