Vancouver holds off Spokane Indians in Northwest League playoff opener

VANCOUVER, B.C. – The Spokane Indians, known for late rallies on their way to the Northwest League North Division second-half title, had one fall just short in a 2-1 loss to the Vancouver Canadians in their first-round playoff opener on Wednesday.

In a game that was supposed to be played at Spokane’s Avista Stadium but was moved to Vancouver because of poor air quality, the Indians found themselves the home team at a road venue and it nearly paid off.

Spokane had managed just three hits through the first eight innings and trailed 2-0. But Pedro Gonzalez singled to open the bottom of the ninth. Kole Enright grounded out to move Gonzalez to second. Cristian Inoa lined out to left field for the second out, but Miguel Aparicio blooped a single over Canadians shortstop Logan Warmoth to score Gonzalez and cut the lead in half.

Tyler Ratliff followed with a bloop single to put runners at first and second for Matt Whatley. Whatley worked the count full before grounding out to second to end the game.

Vancouver’s runs came in the top of the eighth off Joseph Kuzia. Norberto Obeso walked and scored on a home run by Warmoth.

Game 2 of the three-game series is set for tonight. The Indians will be the visitors through Game 3 if necessary.