Indians fall from 1st

EVERETT – Those darned Sox.

The Everett AquaSox defeated the Spokane Indians for the fourth time in five games Friday, blanking the Indians 1-0 in a Northwest League game.

The damaging road trip has dropped the Indians (29-34) into second place in the East Division, half a game behind the Tri-City Dust Devils (30-34). Tri-City, which defeated Eugene 4-3 in Pasco, begins a three-game series against the Indians at Avista Stadium tonight.

With the Indians looking to break out of their slump, Everett’s Blake Ochoa accounted for the game’s only run when he hit his second home run of the season leading off the bottom of the third inning.

Designated hitter Mitchell Moreland had two of Spokane’s four hits, but twice was stranded at third.

In the fourth inning, Moreland doubled with two out and took third when Ian Gac’s grounder was mishandled by Everett shortstop Ogui Diaz. Eric Fry walked to load the bases, but the inning ended on a fielder’s choice by Victor Barrios.

In the sixth, Moreland reached on a two-out single and took third on a double to left by Gac. Fry struck out to end the inning.

In the Indians’ eighth, Julio Borbon led off with a bunt single and was sacrificed to second by Renny Osuna. After Jonathan Greene struck out, Moreland walked to give Spokane runners at first and second. Again, the big hit failed to come as Gac grounded out to the pitcher, ending the inning.

Ryan Tutusko (3-5) pitched going 5 1/3 solid innings for the Indians, allowing one run on six hits with seven strikeouts. Three relievers finished, holding Everett to one more hit.

Everett’s Doug Salinas (2-7) picked up the win, allowing three hits in six innings.

Nicholas Hill finished for his second save.