Indians Stifle Hawks Early

For the first time this season, the Spokane Indians chased an opposing pitcher from the mound in the first inning. The Indians then proceeded to defeat the Boise Hawks 4-1 at Boise on Sunday.

Spokane (18-26) won its third straight game while Boise (25-19) lost its fifth straight at home.

In the first inning, the Indians sent eight batters to the plate and scored three runs off doubles by Pat Hallmark, Mark Quinn and James Vida.

Boise pitcher Stevenson Agosto was removed after facing just seven batters.

The early run support was enough for Spokane ace Modesto Villareal, who went on to give up just one run on four hits in five innings of work.

Villareal became the first Spokane pitcher to get four wins this season. His record stands at 4-1.

Boise did, however, make a run at the Indians before all was said and done.

Spokane reliever Brent Kaysner was inserted with one out in the bottom of the ninth with runners at first and second. The Hawks’ Danny Buxbaum went from second to third on a fielder’s choice to put runners at the corners. Against Gar Vallone, Kaysner ran the count to three balls and no strikes before moving it to 3-and-2. Vallone then grounded back to Kaysner who made the putout at first to end the game, giving Kaysner his second save of the season.

Tonight, Justin Adam is scheduled to pitch for Spokane with Boise countering with Brian Cooper.