Indians win 4th straight

EUGENE, Ore. – A big fifth inning gave the Spokane Indians all they needed on Monday night.

Timothy Rodriguez scored the go-ahead run, Justin Pickett drove in two in a five-run fifth and the Indians won their fourth straight game with a 7-4 victory over the Eugene Emeralds.

Matt Means, who replaced Eugene starter Pablo Menchaca, walked Rodriguez to open the inning. Rodriguez stole second and Edward Koncel was walked and both runners advanced on David Paisano’s groundout to second.

With two outs, Jacob Kaase struck out swinging, but the ball passed catcher Emmanuel Quiles, allowing Kaase to reach first and Rodriguez to score.

Koncel scored on a fielding error before Pickett knocked a two-run double into left field. Pickett reached third base on the throw, and after Alexis Lara replaced Means on the mound, Pickett scored on a balk before Eric Fry flew out to end the inning.

The Indians (5-2) scored single runs in the second and sixth innings.

Kaase finished 2 for 4, including a double in the seventh inning.

Spokane starter Martin Perez struck out three and allowed three hits and one run in four innings of work. Trevor Hurley replaced Perez and picked up his first win of the season. Clifford Springston pitched the final three innings to earn his first save of the season.

Eugene (3-4) scored single runs in the third and fifth, and two in the bottom of the ninth.