RiverHawks score early, often, then outlast Royals

The Spokane RiverHawks jumped out early, scoring nine runs in the first three innings, then held on to knock off the Victoria Royals 9-8 Tuesday at Spokane Falls Community College.

Ryan Stevenson finished the day 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs and James Ortega and Ryan Webb added a pair as the RiverHawks teed off on Royals starter Henry Mabee, who went six innings, allowing 11 hits, eight earned runs, walking two and striking out just one. He also hit two batters.

Alan Cannell picked up the win for Spokane, despite allowing five runs in five innings. He also struck out six and walked two.

The RiverHawks got it going right from the start, Stevenson singling in Brad Wark and Matt Robinson, who was 2 for 3 on the day. Ortega then singled in Stevenson after the left fielder had stolen second.

After picking up one in the second, Spokane broke it open in the third. After loading the bases with no one out, Webb singled to score Eric Cannon and Josh Sidwell. When Derek Dupree reached on an error to load the bases again, Robinson hit a sac fly to center. Stevenson then was hit by a pitch, loading the bases again, before Massie singled in Chris Rodgers and Ortega grounded out to score Dupree.

The RiverHawks are off until Friday, when they travel to Bellingham.