Untimely hitting dooms Spokane Indians in 5-2 loss

HILLSBORO, Oregon—The Spokane Indians stranded 11 base runners and went 1 for 15 with runners in scoring position in a 5-2 loss to the Hillsboro Hops on Saturday at Ron Tonkin Field.

Conversely, the Hops’ offense produced in such situations, going 4 for 8 with runners in scoring position.

Hillsboro did most of its damage with a three-run second inning. Connor Owings, Ben DeLuzio and Jason Morozowski strung together three RBI singles to put the Hops up 3-0.

The Indians responded in the top of the third on Luis Terrero’s two-RBI double to left field.

The Hops tacked on two more runs with an RBI triple from Alexis Olmeda and a solo home run from Justin Chigbogu to right field in the fifth.

Indians’ shortstop Charles LeBlanc, who struck out with the bases loaded in the fourth inning, was tossed by home plate umpire Tanner Moore after throwing his batting gloves to the ground in frustration. He was replaced by Brallan Perez, who was inserted at second base after Anderson Tejeda moved to shortstop following the ejection.

Hillsboro starter Anfernee Benetiz (6-5) picked up the win, giving up six hits and relinquishing two runs over five innings.

The Hops’ relievers — Connor Grey, Colin Poche, Jake Winston and Kevin Ginkel —surrendered only three hits in four innings of work to secure the victory.

Kyle Cody (2-4) was handed the loss for Spokane, giving up four runs and seven hits in four frames. Cody struck out seven and walked none in the losing effort.

Leody Taveras, Terrero and Chad Smith each had two hits and a double.

Alex Olmida was 3 for 4 for the Hops.