Metcalf, Lensch star as Indians coast past Hawks

BOISE — Even Batman and Robin would have had a tough time keeping up with the Spokane Indians version of the Dynamic Duo on Tuesday night at Memorial Stadium.

Travis Metcalf had three hits, including the Indians’ first home run of the season, and drove in five runs and Justin Lensch allowed just one hit through five shutout innings as Spokane cruised to a 6-1 victory over the Boise Hawks in Northwest League baseball action.

Lensch allowed only a one-out triple in the first inning en route to winning his debut with the Indians. He struck out three and issued one walk.

The Indians jumped on Hawks starter Yorkin Ferreras, now in his seventh year with the organization, for a pair of runs in the top of the fourth inning.

Tobin Swope reached first on a leadoff single and scored when Metcalf drilled a shot to left field that bounced on top of the wall before going over for a two-run homer.

Spokane broke the game open in the fifth inning.

Angel Sanchez doubled with one out to chase Ferreras. Jose Urena took the mound and promptly hit Brandon Cashman before walking Swope to load the bases. Up stepped Metcalf who hammered the ball off the top of the left-field wall to clear the bases and give Spokane a 5-0 lead.

Boise scored its only run on Anthony Granato’s RBI single off Indians reliever John Bannister in the bottom of the seventh. Bannister allowed just three hits in three innings of work while fanning three.

Spokane’s final tally came in the top of the ninth.

Bobby LeNoir led off with a single, took second on a Brandon Cashman groundout, and scored on a double by Swope.

Spokane reliever Shawn Phillips pitched a perfect ninth to close out the victory.

The Indians (2-0) send right-hander Kevin Altman to the mound tonight in search of the series sweep. Boise (0-2) will counter with right-hander Luis Brito.