Arrow-right Camera
Subscribe now
Spokane Indians

Spokane Indians Rewind: Power drives comeback over Eugene

Hasuan Viera drew a bases loaded walk to force in a run in the eighth inning and the Indians (9-17) came back from a 7-1 deficit to edge the visiting Emeralds (9-17) 8-7 on Wednesday.

Starling Joseph cranked a three-run homer (2) in the seventh to tie it at 7-7 and J.P. Martinez (3) added a two-run shot in the sixth.

Starter Jake Latz allowed seven runs on five hits, including a home run, and four walks.

Reliever Warner Leal provided three shutout innings with four strikeouts and Emmanuel Clase had a 1-2-3 ninth with a K for his third save.

The big play: Joseph’s homer to tie it was the big blast, but they couldn’t have gotten to that point without Martinez’ two-strike two-run homer the previous inning. After getting off to a miserable start (.125 over his first 16 games), Martinez is 12 for his last 36 (.333) over 10 games.

The Good: Warner Leal. Credit where it’s due. Leal has bounced around the lower levels of the organization this season but his performance held Eugene in check and gave the hitters a chance to get the club back into the game.

The Bad: Jake Latz. The young left-handed was roughed up.

The Ugly: Tyler Depreta-Johnson went 0 for 4, including a poor sacrifice bunt attempt after Joseph’s three-run homer, and he stranded seven runners. The 0-fer left him in an 0 for 20 slump.

The Takeaway: The Indians up their home record to 9-6 and now find themselves four games behind the three other North Division teams in the first-half race with 12 games to play.

Next Game: Indians vs. Eugene on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Avista Stadium.

Minor League Report: