Spokane Indians drop fifth straight in 4-1 loss to Eugene Emeralds

Brandon Hughes went 2 for 3 and drove in three runs to lead the Eugene Emeralds to a 4-1 victory over the Spokane Indians in the second of a five-game series at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

The Indians (9-8, 25-30) had their losing streak extended to five games.

Hughes got the Emeralds on the board immediately, driving in Jhonny Bethencourt from second with a bunt in the first inning. Hughes advanced to second following a walk issued by Indians starting pitcher Cole Ragans.

Miguel Amaya fell into a 0-2 count against Ragans before delivering a single to left field, driving in Hughes for a quick 2-0 Emeralds lead.

Hughes improved Eugene’s lead to 4-0 in the fourth on a line drive to center field. The double drove in two runners, one of which reached base on a throwing error.

The Indians finally scored in the ninth inning, beginning with Cristian Inoa’s double to left. Nick Kaye followed Inoa, striking out on a full count. But Kaye reached first base on a dropped third strike and a bad throw by catcher Amaya. Inoa took third on the throwing error and then scored on a wild pitch.

Ragans (3-2) took the loss. The Indians left-hander allowed two earned runs in 3 2/3 innings. He fanned six batters, improving his season total to a league-leading 66 strikeouts.

The Indians continue the Northwest League series at Eugene on Sunday at 1:05 p.m.