Indians edge Canadians, move into first

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Joe Kemp had it all working for the Spokane Indians Tuesday night.

The Indians left fielder went 3 for 4, drove in a run, scored twice and stole two bases to lead Spokane to a 5-4 Northwest League victory over the Vancouver Canadians.

The victory, coupled with a loss by Boise, left the Indians (19-22) in a first-place tie with Hawks. Tri-City also lost and is a game out of the East Division lead.

Spokane starter Kellan McConnell allowed two runs in five innings to even his record at 4-4.

Vancouver (26-15), which leads the West Division and boasts the best record in the league, jumped to a 2-0 lead after three innings.

Spokane tied the score with a pair of runs in the top of the fifth.

Kemp singled and stole second with one out. Julio Santana walked, and K.C. Herren singled to score Kemp. After a forceout, Steve Murphy singled home Santana.

The Indians took the lead for good in the top of the sixth.

Jose Corchado (2-1) replaced Canadians starter Joe Newby and promptly walked John Mayberry Jr. Mayberry stole second and scored on a single by Kemp. Kemp stole second and crossed home on a two-out single by Santana to make it 4-2.

Spokane pushed across its final run in the top of the seventh when Steve Murphy drew a one-out walk, moved to third on a two-out single by Mayberry and scored on a throwing error by Vancouver shortstop Justin Sellers on Mayberry’s steal of second base.

Indians closer Jon Wilson struck out the side in the ninth to earn his fifth save.