Pimentel Shines as Indians Edge Bears

Spokane, WA--Long regarded as having one of the best throwing arms in the Texas Rangers farm system, rightfielder Guillermo Pimentel put it on full display during a critical juncture in the eighth inning of Spokane's 1-0 win over Yakima in front of 4,005 fans for Baseball Vacation Giveaway presented by Azteca Mexican Restaurants and Rock 94.5 FM.

Clinging to a slim 1-0 lead, Spokane's Matt West relieved Juan Grullon with two runners on in the eighth, and induced a fly ball to right from Bears hitter Garrett Weber. As the Avista Stadium crowd rose to their feet, Pimentel positioned himself under the high fly ball and threw a laser beam to home plate that nailed Yakima's Westley Moss who bowled over catcher Jorge Alfaro.

Alfaro jumped to his feet with the ball clutched in his hand and received a roaring ovation from his teammates and Indians fans as another Bears rally fell short. West returned to the mound for the ninth, striking out two on the way to his sixth save.

Nick Martinez, making his first start at Avista Stadium, held the Bears at bay for five innings, striking out seven and walking none. David Perez (1-3) picked up the win after striking out the side in the sixth.

In addition to his game-saving throw, Pimentel also delivered the Indians lone run of the night with an RBI single in the sixth. Alfaro and Ruben Sierra both finished with two hits in the win.

In a touching moment during the middle of the fourth inning, Sgt. Chris Weichman, who just returned at 6 a.m. from his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, surprised his wife Abby and twin daughters Gracie and Ruth by appearing on the field after they participated in The Spokesman-Review Newspaper Toss. Sgt. Weichman received a long standing ovation from the Avista Stadium crowd.

Tomorrow is the finale of a three games series against Yakima and is Dollars in Your Dog Night presented by Mirabeau Park Hotel and Coyote Country 99.9 FM. Buy a delicious ballpark hot dog and look inside the wrapper for your chance to win money and other great prizes from Mirabeau Park Hotel...over $2,000 in cash and prizes will be given away! With just 10 games left on the home schedule, make sure to reserve your seat today by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886) or through TicketsWest at 1-800-325-SEAT. Fans can also purchase tickets at the Ticket Office at Avista Stadium during regular business hours or anytime by visiting spokaneindians.com or ticketswest.com.