Sharp pitching, timely hitting lead Spokane Indians to 5-3 win over Hillsboro Hops

HILLSBORO, Ore. – Spokane Indians starting pitcher and No. 8 Rangers prospect Cole Ragans threw four strong innings in a 5-3 victory over the Hillsboro Hops on Sunday.

In four innings, Ragans surrendered five hits, one of which was a solo home run. He walked one and struck out seven.

Yonny Hernandez hit an RBI single off Hillsboro starter Brian Shaffer which scored Kole Enright and established a 1-0 Indians lead in the second inning.

Hillsboro (22-16) tied the game in the fourth inning on Drew Ellis’ fifth home run of the season.

Spokane’s Curtis Terry reached base after a hit-by-pitch to began the top of the fifth inning and scored on Miguel Aparicio’s second triple of the season.

The Indians (16-22) added another run on Melvin Novoa’s RBI single in the seventh inning, which extended his hitting streak to 15 games.

Cristian Inoa launched his third home run of the season in the eighth inning. His team-leading 21st RBI increased the Indians’ lead to 4-1.

Spokane reliever Joe Barlow allowed a leadoff double by Pavin Smith in the eighth inning. Smith scored on another double by Camden Duzenack. Tra’Mayne Holmes walked after Duzenack’s double, but both were stranded as Spokane right-fielder Tyler Ratliff made a diving catch to conclude the eighth in his first game as an outfielder.

Barlow pitched 3 ⅓ innings and gave up one hit, the one run, with five strikeouts and three walks.

Spokane had the bases loaded in both the eighth and ninth innings, and Kole Enright delivered in the ninth with a single to score Nick Kaye for a 5-2 lead.

Hillsboro loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth inning after an RBI single by Drew Ellis cut the lead to 5-3.

Reliever Ismel Lopez recorded the third out of the ninth and the win was given to Barlow.

The two teams battle for the fifth and final game of the series on Monday at 7:05 p.m.