Spokane Indians comeback falls short in 4-3 loss to Tr-City

David Calabrese delivered an RBI single in the fifth inning, then scored the eventual game-winning run on a throwing error and the Tri-Cit Dust Devils beat the Spokane Indians 4-3 in a Northwest League game at Avista Stadium on Friday.

The teams are tied at 9-4, 1 1/2 games behind Eugene (10-2) in the second half.

Calabrese knocked in Anthony Scull from third with a single to put Tri-City up 3-1. He stole second base and took third on a wild pitch. After Rio Foster walked, Indians catcher Cole Messina tried to catch Calabrese straying from the bag at third, but his throw went into left field and the Dust Devils’ outfielder hustled home for a 4-1 lead. 

The Indians (9-4) picked up a run in the sixth on a bases loaded groundout and made it a one-run game in the eighth on an RBI triple by Andy Perez. 

Tevin Tucker and Caleb Hobson both walked and stole bases with two down in the ninth, but Braylen Wimmer struck out to strand both.

Indians starting pitcher Lebarron Johnson Jr. allowed four runs, three earned, on eight hits and four walks with five strikeouts over five innings. Johnson (0-4) threw 94 pitches, 57 for strikes. 

The series continues Saturday at 7:05 p.m,