Merrigan's Mash Sends Spokane Past Sox 6-4
July 31, 2016 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Spokane Indians News Release
Spokane, WA - Josh Merrigan picked the perfect moment for his first professional home run. Spokane's center fielder lifted a three-run opposite-field shot to help the Indians snap a three-game skid as they held on for a 6-4 win over the AquaSox in front of 4,468 fans at Avista Stadium for Motorcycle Rally & Pre-Game Ride the Bases presented by Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson, KHQ, and 98.9 KKZX.
Merrigan, a 10th round selection in this year's draft, helped break up a 1-1 tie in the seventh as he drove a 3-2 offering from Everett reliever Dillon Moyer (0-1) over the wall in left field. He came up again with the bases-loaded in the eighth and drove in a run with a walk - which would prove important in the game's frantic final frame - to finish the day with a season-best four RBI.
Merrigan's big fly helped back up a career day from starter Tyler Phillips (3-3). The young right-hander kept Everett's talented lineup guessing all afternoon as he allowed just one run and four hits in seven innings while striking out four. The native of Weehawken, NJ has permitted just four earned runs in his last four starts totaling 23.1 innings to lower his season ERA by over three runs.
Phillips' hard work nearly went for naught though as the AquaSox touched up the normally reliable Johan Juan for three runs in the top of the ninth before he induced a groundout from Donnie Walton with the bases loaded to end the threat.
Clay Middleton crushed his second home run of the year in the fifth to help tie the game and Blaine Prescott and NWL All-Star Xavier Turner each had a pair of hits in the victory. The win moved Spokane to 3-3 in the second half and 22-22 overall.
Tyler Ferguson, Chad Smith, Seth Spivey, and Xavier Turner will head to Ogden, Utah tomorrow for the 2016 NWL vs. Pioneer League All-Star Game which takes place on Tuesday, August 2. First pitch is scheduled for 6:15 PM PST with a Home Run Derby before the game at 4:15 PM PST. Fans can follow along with the game on TuneIn Radio by searching "Ogden Raptors". The rest of the team has a three day break before returning to action against the Volcanoes on Thursday, August 4 in Salem-Keizer.
The Indians arrive back at Avista Stadium on Friday, August 12 for Fireworks Night presented by Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning, 93.7 The Mountain, Sports Radio 1510 KGA NW Sports Talk, and Coeur d'Alene Press. Join us for another great fireworks show immediately following the game and enjoy $4 pints and fountain Pepsi products at a special discounted rate from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM as part of Happy Hour presented by No-Li and the Inlander. Fans can also play along during the game with Coeur d'Alene Casino Baseball Bingo for the chance to win great prizes. The game starts at 6:30 PM with gates opening at 5:30 PM. Tickets for all Spokane Indians home games are available for purchase at the Avista Stadium Ticket Office or at spokaneindians.com. Reserve your seats today by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886) or TicketsWest at 1-800-325-SEAT.
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Northwest League Stories from July 31, 2016
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