Unhealthy air forces postponement of Spokane Indians game

The Spokane Indians and Vancouver Canadians were vanquished by the same foe Friday night.

Heavy smoke from Washington’s devastating wildfires forced postponement of Game 2 of the three-game Northwest League game between Spokane and Vancouver at Avista Stadium.

With air quality labeled as unhealthy for everyone, the Indians finalized the postponement about 30 minutes after opening the gates for fans who attended despite the earlier announced cancellation of planned fireworks.

The game was to have been televised on SWX.

Fans lined up after the postponement to exchange tickets. Subject to availability, the tickets could be swapped for any remaining Indians home game.

Depending on whether the smoke dissipates, the series finale is still scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today.

Because Vancouver returns to Spokane next weekend for another three-game set, the postponed game will be made up as part of a doubleheader at 5 p.m. Friday. The teams will play two seven-inning games, with a break of 30 minutes after the opener.

The Canadians won the series opener 6-3 on Thursday. Vancouver is 4-3 against Spokane this season, winning the last three matchups.

The Indians and Canadians are both chasing the North Division’s second-half playoff berth. The day began with Everett (12-10) leading Vancouver and Tri-City (both 11-11) by one game, with the Indians (10-12) two games back.

Tri-City has qualified for postseason as the North’s first-half champion.

Spokane has five games remaining with Vancouver, three with Everett and three with Tri-City. The Indians are 5-4 against Tri-City this season but have struggled against Everett, losing seven of nine.

Spokane begins a five-game series at Eugene on Sunday.