Loss to Everett drops Indians to second in Northwest League

EVERETT — The Spokane Indians found themselves in unfamiliar territory after Tuesday’s game at Everett Memorial Stadium.

For the first time since July 21, 2003, the Indians dropped out of first place in the Northwest League. Spokane (7-5) dropped a 5-3 decision to Everett, allowing the Tri-City Dust Devils (8-4) to claim first place alone.

The five-game series, tied at 2 apiece, will wrap up tonight with right-hander Kevin Altman (0-0) scheduled to make his third start for the Indians. Ivan Blanco (0-1) is Everett’s scheduled starter.

West Division-leading Everett (8-4) took command with a three-run fifth inning to take a 4-2 lead. Asdrubal Cabrera pounded a two-run double and scored on Yung-Chi Chen’s double.

Kevin Mahar drove in two runs for the Indians with a single in the second and a leadoff home run, his second of the season, in the fourth.

Spokane will begin a six-game homestand on Thursday with the first of three games against the Boise Hawks. Yakima will also be in town during the set.

Notes: Brandon Cashman’s four-homer game on Monday was a franchise record for the Spokane Indians. Three Indians players have hit three homers in a game, including Tom Robson in 1974 and Ron Cey in 1971. Cashman’s effort broke the Northwest League record held by 22 players. Yakima’s Lamont Matthews, in 1999, was the last NWL player to hit three homers in a game.