Indians comeback bid falls short
July 8, 2005 - Northwest League (NWL1)
Spokane Indians News Release
SPOKANE, WA - The Spokane Indians (9-8) made a valiant effort at another comeback, but the Eugene Emeralds (10-7) held on to an early eight-run lead to knock off the Indians 11-7 in front of 3,893 fans at Avista Stadium.
The Emeralds jumped out to an early 8-0 lead, led Nick Hundley's two-run homerun. All told, the Emeralds got to Spokane starter Brett Zamzow (0-1) for eight runs in just three innings of work on nine base hits. Hundley finished the game with four RBI, drawing a pair of bases loaded walks in addition to his homerun. Chase Headley paced the Emeralds offensively, recording three of Eugene's 13 hits on the night.
Trailing 8-0 heading into the bottom half of the 4th inning, the Indians erupted for four runs to cut the deficit in half. Back to back singles by German Duran and Steve Murphy started off the inning and John Mayberry, Jr. took one for the team to load the bases. The ball off of Mayberry's knee was the fourth time this season the right fielder has been hit by a pitch. With the bases loaded, Lizahio Baez stroked a single to plate a pair of runs. Baez, who was Spokane's backstop last season, returned to Spokane today to fill in for catcher Ben Crabtree. Crabtree was injured on a foul tip during last night's game, but X-rays today revealed no broken bones. A sacrifice fly by Freddie Thon and a single by K.C. Herren capped the scoring in the 4th for Spokane.
Another pair of runs in the 5th cut the lead to 8-6 and Indians fans felt another historic comeback in the works. A single by Mayberry scored Duran and Baez provided another run with a one-out fielder's choice to score Murphy. The Emeralds scored three runs in the 8th inning to slam the door shut and build an 11-6 lead. Baez once again tried to rally the troops, blasting a solo homerun deep over the wall in right center field. Baez, who was Spokane's backstop last season, returned to Spokane today to fill in for catcher Ben Crabtree. Crabtree was injured on a foul tip during last night's game, but X-rays today revealed no broken bones.
William Ponce (2-0) got the win for the Emeralds, relieving Cesar Ramos who started for Eugene. Ramos, the Padres 1st round selection in the 2005 draft, was touched up for six runs on eight hits in 4.1 innings of work. Previously, Ramos had given up just one hit in 6.2 innings of work.
Tomorrow night the national touring act ZOOperstars! will be on hand to entertain fans, courtesy of F&M Bank, KREM 2-TV and 93 ZOO FM. Characters such as Ichiroach, Harry Canary, and Clammy Sosa will keep the fun going all night long. Following the game, be sure to stick around for the first edition of the Coors Light Concert Series. Tomorrow night's show will feature local favorites 10 Minutes Down. Great seats are still available and can be purchased by calling the Indians at 509-535-2922.
Northwest League Stories from July 8, 2005
- Baez Powers Indians To Victory - Spokane Indians
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- Indians comeback bid falls short - Spokane Indians
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