Indians’ bats go quiet in shutout

KEIZER, Ore. – The Spokane Indians’ offense went AWOL on Saturday night.

A fine effort from the pitching staff went unrewarded when the Indians managed just five hits in a 2-0 Northwest League setback at the hands of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.

The loss, coupled with Tri-City’s 8-5 victory over Everett, leaves Spokane (27-31) with a one-game lead atop the East Division.

The Indians only came close to scoring twice. K.C. Herren doubled to lead off the game, but he was erased trying to steal third base with one out. In the top of the fourth, Lizahio Baez drew a two-out walk, but he was thrown out at third on a John Mayberry single to right field.

Salem-Keizer starter Daniel Griffin (3-1) allowed just three hits in six innings of work to pick up the win. Wayne Foltin gave up just two hits over the final three innings to notch the save for the Volcanoes (34-24).

Spokane starter David Smith (1-1) was saddled with his first loss of the season, allowing a pair of earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Indians relievers Juan Carlos Garcia, Juan Maldonado and Nathan Fogle closed out the game with 3 2/3 shutout innings, allowing just one hit and one walk.

The Volcanoes scored once in the second inning on Chris Stanton’s infield single and once in the fifth on Jose Yens’ sacrifice fly.

The five-game series is knotted at a game apiece.