Early Offense and Doyle Homer Lead to 6-1 Win
July 2, 2021 - Northwest League (NWL)
Spokane Indians News Release
SPOKANE, Wash. - Spokane got a strong pitching performance from Helcris Olivarez and a balanced offensive attack to defeat the Tri-City Dust Devils, 6-1, in game three of the series for Christmas in July presented by Wake Up Call.
TOP PERFORMERS
Helcris Olivarez turned in his best outing of the season. He tossed a season-high six innings, giving up just one run and three hits to earn his second win of the year. He has lowered his ERA nearly two full points over his last three starts.
After missing out on a game-tying home run by inches on Wednesday, Brenton Doyle left no doubt on Thursday. He launched a solo shot in the sixth inning to extend Spokane's lead to 4-1.
Francisco De Valle was the bright spot for the Dust Devils' offense. He was on base all four plate appearances, collecting two hits and getting hit by a pitch twice.
BY THE NUMBERS
Spokane finally held Carlos Herrera in check a bit. He entered Thursday with hits in all 12 games against the Indians this season before an 0-for-3 night. He did work two walks, however.
Olivarez loves facing Tri-City. In three starts against the Dust Devils, he has given up just two runs and struck out 21 hitters across 16 innings.
Dugan Darnell struck out the side in the ninth for Spokane. He has 14 punch outs in his last 7.2 innings out of the bullpen, giving up just one run.
KEY MOMENT
Somehow, the Indians were able to escape the top of the first inning. Olivarez picked off Herrera at first base after he worked a lead-off walk. Brendon Davis then smacked a single off the right field wall but was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double. After another walk and a wild pitch, Olivarez forced Gareth Morgan to fly out to end the inning without a run. Spokane would score two in the bottom of the first in support of Olivarez.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
The Everett AquaSox took down the Vancouver Canadians, 7-3, for Everett's seventh-consecutive victory.
Eugene Emeralds topped the Hillsboro Hops, 3-1, for the Ems fifth-straight win.
NEXT GAME AT AVISTA STADIUM
Spokane and Tri-City continue their six-game series on Friday for First Responders Appreciation Night presented by Longhorn BBQ and SWX . Join us in thanking the 1st Responders of the Inland Northwest. Local first responders will be on-hand to do demonstrations and show off their equipment! First pitch for Friday's game is at 7:05 p.m. The Avista Stadium gates will open at 6:00 p.m. Get your tickets.
Northwest League Stories from July 2, 2021
- DeLoach Named High-A West June Player of the Month - Everett AquaSox
- Yan Makes Dust Devils History - Tri-City Dust Devils
- Dust Devils Drop Road Contest - Tri-City Dust Devils
- Early Offense and Doyle Homer Lead to 6-1 Win - Spokane Indians
- Hops Drop Tenth Straight against Emeralds - Hillsboro Hops
- Lantigua Homer Not Enough as C's Fall to 'Sox - Vancouver Canadians
- Shenton and Frogs Extend Winning Streak, 7-3 - Everett AquaSox
- Eugene Makes It Ten Straight over Hillsboro - Eugene Emeralds
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
