Indians Clobber Volcanoes 9-4

A solo homer by shortstop Rich Petru gave the Spokane Indians what proved to be the winning run in a 9-4 Northwest League baseball victory Wednesday night over the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.

With the victory, the Indians closed to within six games of North Division division leader Boise, which lost 9-4 to Eugene.

With the score tied at 2 in the fourth inning, Spokane designated hitter Mike Brambilla singled. Rico Montas reached on a fielder’s choice, then scored on Francisco Bautista’s triple. Jeremy Hill grounded out to score Bautista. Petru then homered to provide the Indians with a 5-2 lead.

Brambilla reached base in all five of his at-bats, going 3 for 4 with two RBIs. Petru and Hill also picked up two RBIs each.

Starter Scott Key (3-3) got the victory.

Spokane has won seven of eight against Salem-Keizer.