Indians Fall Again To Bend

The Spokane Indians are playing up (and down) to the level of their competition.

Fresh from a five-game sweep of Boise, which had the Northwest League’s best record, the Indians are struggling against NWL doormat Bend.

Bend’s 4-2 decision on Tuesday gave the Rockies (20-39) two wins in three games against Spokane, with two games left in the series.

The fourth game is tonight, with Spokane’s Heath Murray (4-4) starting against Brian Rose (1-3).

Spokane (26-33), which has won six of its last eight, leads the season series with the Rockies 5-3.

Off reliever Scott Singleton (2-2), Bend scored three in the sixth to break a 1-all tie. Ronnie Hall and Gary Jones had RBI singles, and Hall scored when he stole third and Indians catcher Dave Ullan threw the ball into left field.

Bend also scored in the fifth after Indians starter Keith Davis allowed a leadoff double to Yohel Pozo. With Pozo at third following a fielder’s choice, Davis attempted a pickoff at first and threw wildly.

Spokane tied the game in the sixth off starter and winner Brent Crowther (2-3). Eric Martinez had a leadoff double and scored on Pete Bifone’s single. Martinez also had an RBI in the seventh, when Jason Tyrus reached second on an infield error and overthrow.

Bend reliever Scott Warembourg escaped trouble in the eighth and set down the side in the ninth for his third save.

Spokane outhit Bend 11-8. The Indians’ Darren Grass had two hits, giving him 10 hits in 21 at-bats against Bend.

Spokane played without injured regulars Santiago Rivera and Jay Johnson, who are expected back today.