AquaSox jump on Indians early, win season opener

The Everett AquaSox won their 2013 season opener Friday night, defeating the Spokane Indians 6-4. Rigoberto Garcia logged six solid innings for his first win of the year, and Alfredo Morales had two RBI to lead the offense.

Martin Peguero and Carlton Tanabe each had multiple hits for the Frogs, while Richard Vargas threw two perfect innings (with five strikeouts) for the save.

The AquaSox bats started fast, as they chased Texas Rangers first round selection Chi-Chi Gonzalez after just 1.2 innings. The Frogs scored two in the first, one in the second and two in the third and led 5-0 after three frames.

Garcia dominated the Indians through the first three innings, barely encountering any trouble. Spokane started to hit him in the fourth and fifth innings, but Garcia battled through to notch a solid outing. He allowed just two runs on three hits while walking and striking out two.

Nick Valenza relieved Garcia and struggled mightily, allowing two runs in the seventh. The damage came on a two-out, two-run triple by Indians leadoff hitter Christopher Garia.

With their bats silent for four innings and their lead suddenly down to one run, the AquaSox faced a difficult battle to secure their opening night victory. Fortunately, Alfredo Morales tacked on a key insurance run as he launched his first home runs of the season off of John Straka in the eighth inning. Vargas came on in the bottom half of the frame and shut the Indians down with six straight outs.

Seven of the nine AquaSox starters checked in with hits and the team had 11 overall. Spokane committed three errors to help the Frogs whereas Everett played an errorless nine innings.

The AquaSox and Indians square off again tonight at 6:35 in Spokane. Pat Dillon will have the call on 1380 KRKO.