Spokane Indians can’t complete comeback against Vancouver

VANCOUVER, B.C. – The Vancouver Canadians bullpen retired 15 straight batters across six shutout innings in a 5-3 victory over the Spokane Indians (11-17) in Northwest League action at Nat Bailey Stadium on Thursday.

Neither starting pitcher lasted three innings as both teams were forced into a battle of the bullpens.

Spokane starter, and Texas Rangers No. 9 prospect, Alex Speas (0-4) pitched just two innings and surrendered five runs on six hits – including a home run – and two walks, without recording a strikeout.

Canadians starter Donnie Sellers threw 2 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits with no walks, while striking out five.

Speas encountered early trouble as Vancouver’s Riley Adams hit a three-run home run in the first inning.

Vancouver (17-11) added to its lead in the second inning with a run-scoring balk and sacrifice fly to go up 5-0.

In the third, Tyler Ratliff drove in Spokane’s first run with an RBI single to score Miguel Aparicio.

Andretty Cordero followed with a two-run home run, his seventh of the season, to cut Spokane’s deficit to 5-3.

Spokane’s offense was stopped there, as Vancouver’s bullpen gave up one hit in the last six innings.

William Ouellette pitched a perfect ninth inning against the Indians to earn his third save.

The teams meet in the finale of the three-game series on Friday at 1:05 p.m.