Hoppe Hopes To Lead Spokane to Second Straight Win

Spokane, WA- The Indians jumped to a 1-0 series lead in last night's game, winning a tightly-contested game 1-0. Spokane hopes to take Game 2 in the three-game series this afternoon at Avista Stadium on Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson Day Game, presented by Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson, KHQ, 98.9 KKZX, and S-R Media/The Spokesman-Review.

Prior to the game is the Ride the Bases motorcycle ride presented by U.S. Linen & Uniform, benefiting the Rypien Foundation for child cancer research. Participants will ride onto the field for the National Anthem and the Spokane Indians players will wear special edition Harley-Davidson jerseys that will be auctioned off throughout the game. Plus, stay after the game to play catch on the field courtesy of Cloverdale Foods!

Hitting the mound for Spokane tonight will be Jason Hoppe, making his fourth start of the season after pitching the first half out of the bullpen. In his last two starts he has allowed 10 earned runs in 3.1 innings pitched. The Rice, Minn., native will look to right the ship against the league's second worst offense in Tri-City.

For the visiting Dust Devils, Logan Sawyer will take the hill. In his last start, he threw 5.0 inning and allowed three earned runs. He struck out two batters and did not issue a walk. Last time he squared off against Spokane, he lasted 4.1 innings and surrendered four earned runs on six hits in a loss.

Last night, starting pitchers Richelson Pena and Helmis Rodriguez dueled into the sixth inning before the Indians would finally break the scoreless tie. Josh Morgan would be the hero, as he singled home Jose Trevino from third base for the lone run of the game.

The Spokane pitching staff was lights out, as Pena threw 6.0 strong innings. Erik Swanson would come in to hold the lead for 2.0 innings and Adam Parks closed out the game and sealed the victory. The Indians pitchers did not issue a single walk all game, and combined for 10 strikeouts.