Looking Back: 2016 Spokane Indians Season Recap

SPOKANE, WA - Although the 2016 Spokane Indians squad fell short of their ultimate goal of a Northwest League Championship, they still provided many memorable moments during a season that included a showdown with Seattle Mariners ace Félix Hernández, a rehab start from Texas Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis and a playoff game at Safeco Field

The team struggled out of the gate with a 5-9 record in June as they spent the majority of the month on the road, including five in Eugene against the juggernaut Emeralds (who would finish just short of the league record for wins). Spokane did manage to take two of three from the Dust Devils in Tri-City - a seemingly inconsequential series that would prove to be crucial at the end of the first half.
The Indians dropped their first two games in July before rallying for five straight wins to put themselves back in the playoff picture. Three consecutive losses dropped the team's record to 10-14, but Spokane closed out the half with nine wins in 14 games, including three of five in Boise, to finish the first half at .500 (19-19). The Dust Devils also finished the half at 19-19, but Spokane earned the NWL North Division first half crown on the strength of a 2-1 head-to-head ledger (from the aformentioned series in June) against Tri-City.
The highlight of the first half came on July 10 in Everett as King Felix made a rehab start for the AquaSox against the Indians. Spokane's hitters were up to the challenge against the former Cy Young winner, collecting six hits and scoring three runs against Hernandez in just 3 2/3 innings. Darius Day (triple and walk) and Xavier Turner (two singles) both reached base twice against the Mariners star.  
After hosting the Northwest League vs. Pioneer League All-Star Game in 2015, the Indians got to enjoy the festivities on the road last year as the game shifted to Ogden, Utah. Tyler Ferguson, Chad Smith, Seth Spivey and Xavier Turner were selected to play in the game and all had an impact as the NWL cruised to an 11-5 win over the PBL. Turner, who finished the game 3-for-3 including a home run, was named both the NWL's Top Star and the game's MVP.
The second half proved more challenging for the Indians as they struggled to find consistency on their way to a 13-24 record. Spokane did receive a late season injection of "TNT" though, with highly touted prospects Leody Taveras and Anderson Tejeda joining the team in August for the stretch run. Taveras provided electric speed on the bases and in centerfield while Tejeda ending up leading the Indians in home runs despite playing in only 23 games. The young squad also got the unique opportunity to learn from a big leaguer as Colby Lewis made a start for the Indians in the regular season finale against Everett on September 5. Lewis, who hadn't pitched in "A" ball since 2001, tossed five solid innings for Spokane and then treated the team to a meal after the game.
The Indians hosted the first game of the NWL North Divisional Series on September 8 at Avista Stadium as they took on second half champion Everett. The AquaSox, who had won 8 of 12 against Spokane during the regular season, continued their dominance in Game 1 as they topped the home team, 8-5, despite a home run from Charles Leblanc. Game 2 provided a once-in-a-lifetime experience for players as it took place at Safeco Field following a rainout in Everett. Despite the thrill of playing in a major league stadium, the Indians still couldn't figure out a way to beat the AquaSox, and were eliminated with an 8-0 loss - bringing an end to one of the most unforgettable seasons in recent memory.
The offense, which ended up third in the league with a .258 team average, was led by Turner (.340, 2 HR, 16 RBI), catcher Alex Kowalczyk (.288, 3 HR, 13 RBI), shortstop Charles Leblanc (.285, 12 2B, 4 3B), second baseman Blaine Prescott (.283, 16 2B, 5 HR, 26 RBI) and utility man Luis Terrero (.276, 2 HR, 20 RBI). Spokane's pitching finished fifth in the league with a 4.24 ERA while piling up a whopping 672 strikeouts in 657.2 innings. Sal Mendez (6-4, 3.75 ERA) started in the bullpen but became the team's go-to starter with Mark Vasquez (2.10 ERA, 41 K in 34.1 IP) and Tyler Ferguson (1.78 ERA, 46 K in 30.1 IP) providing lights out work in relief. 
What will the team do for an encore in 2017? Find out starting on Thursday, June 15, as the Spokane Indians open the season against the Boise Hawks at Avista Stadium. Great seats are still available by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886) or visiting spokaneindians.com.