Bianucci slams S-K
Indians break out of recent doldrums
KEIZER, Ore. – The Spokane Indians had looked downright ordinary the week before playing Salem-Keizer in what may be a preview of the Northwest League championship series.
That changed quickly.
Michael Bianucci hit a grand slam in the sixth inning and finished with six runs batted in Friday night as East Division-leading Spokane (39-18) trampled West-leading Salem-Keizer 15-4 in the opener of a five-game series at Volcanoes Stadium.
Bianucci also capped a seven-run eighth inning with a two-run double.
Spokane had lost five of six heading into the series against the defending NWL champs. The Volcanoes (31-26) had won seven of their last nine, but they are 2-4 against the Indians this season.
With Boise (33-24) losing, the outcome increased Spokane’s division lead to six games in the East with 19 games to go. Eugene, with a win, closed to within 1 1/2 games of the Volcanoes.