Eight-run fifth inning launches Spokane Indians past Eugene

EUGENE – Free passes turned into hard-earned runs Thursday night as the Spokane Indians overpowered the host Emeralds with an eight-run fifth inning and fueled an 11-9 victory.

Spokane (4-3) scratched out three straight walks to begin the fifth before a forceout at home and a popup to third threatened the promising start to the frame.

Then Seth Spivey lined a two-run single to open the floodgates against Eugene (4-3) reliever Enrique De Los Rios.

Charles Leblanc walked before Preston Scott, Stephen Lohr and Todd McDonald had run-scoring singles. Alex Kowalczyk plated two with a single to center field before Clay Middleton reached on an error that scored Scott for the eighth run of the inning.