Pirates topple R-Hawks

Tony Smith pitched eight solid innings and Moses Lake rallied for three runs in the final two innings Friday to defeat the Spokane RiverHawks 3-1 in the opener of a three-game West Coast League series at Avista Stadium.

Smith (1-4) allowed eight hits and one earned run, but he was in line for the loss until the Pirates (6-30) scored twice in the eighth off Kyle Lawton (2-2). Chris Casazza tripled in the first run and scored on Justin Cooper’s single.

Richie Allen homered in the ninth, his first of the season, for the Pirates’ final run.

The RiverHawks (16-19) scored in the second after Smith recorded two outs. Dylan Gavin singled, stole second base and scored on Cody Ryckman’s single.

Spokane starter Cameron Selik handcuffed Moses Lake for seven innings, scattering eight hits while striking out six.