AquaSox hold off East-leading Spokane

EVERETT – Gregory Halman’s leadoff homer sparked a three-run sixth inning Thursday and the Everett AquaSox held off the Spokane Indians 5-4 in Northwest League play at Everett Memorial Stadium.

Halman’s homer to left field, his 14th of the season, snapped a 2-all tie. Halman trails Spokane’s Ian Gac by one homer for the league lead.

Kalian Sams added an RBI double and scored on Welington Dotel’s single for a 5-2 lead after six.

Spokane rallied in the ninth, courtesy of pinch-hitter Luke Salas’ one-out, two-run triple to center. But Bryan Harris earned his sixth save by stranding Salas at third, striking out pinch-hitter Kenneth Smith and retiring Julio Borbon on a groundout to shortstop.

The outcome tightened the East Division race as Spokane (29-33) leads Tri-City (29-34) by one-half game, and Boise and Yakima (28-35) by 1 1/2 games. Everett (28-35) is in last place in the West Division.

Robert Harmon (4-6) earned the win, allowing two hits and one earned run in seven innings. He struck out six.

Spokane’s Jacob Brigham (5-4) was tagged for eight hits and three earned runs in 5 1/3 innings.

Victor Barrios doubled twice and scored twice for the Indians.

Everett leads the series 3-1 heading into tonight’s final game. Spokane leads the season series 5-4.

The Indians return home Saturday for a three-game series against Tri-City.