Indians Shutout Canadians, One Win Away From Playoffs

Latz strikes out 11 Canadians for his sixth win

(James Snook-Took By Snook)

September 2, 2018

Spokane, WASH. - The Spokane Indians are red hot at the right time of the season. Spokane snagged a third-straight victory on Saturday night to move one win away from clinching a playoff spot. The Indians shutout the Canadians 6-0 in front of 5,059 fans for Margaritaville Night presented by

Scoreless through the first two innings, Julio Pablo Martinez smacked his 8^th home run of the year, a solo shot, to give Spokane an early 1-0 lead. The Rangers' #3 prospect has driven in a run in four of his last six games.
The Indians really broke things open in the fifth inning. With two on, Jax Biggers drove in two runs with a double to left. Martinez, the next batter, would later bring Biggers home on a drive up the middle. Spokane held a 4-0 lead after five innings. Biggers and Martinez each finished the night with a pair of hits and two RBI.
Starling Joseph provided some additional insurance in the sixth inning. Joseph went the opposite way to the Pepsi Porch for his 11^th long ball of the year. The two-run shot put the Indians up 6-0.
Spokane starter Jake Latz was locked in from the get-go. The left-hander struck out 11 Canadians while allowing just one-hit over 5.2 innings of work. Latz picked up his team-leading sixth win of the season, and hasn't allowed an earned run against Vancouver in his last 12.2 innings.
Cole Uvila and Reggie Meyer handled the C's and maintained the shutout after Latz's day ended. Uvila struck out three in 2.1 innings, while Meyer came on and sealed the win in the ninth. When all was said and done, Spokane pitchers threw nine shutout innings while allowing just two hits and striking out 15 batters.
The Indians are now just one win away from winning the second half championship for the NWL North Division and earning a playoff berth. Spokane can make it all happen on Sunday for the Outdoor Expo Day Game presented by The General Store, KISS 98.1, and 590 KQNT. Alex "Chi Chi" Gonzalez, former Spokane Indian and Major Leaguer will return to Spokane on Sunday to start against the Vancouver Canadians. A first round draft pick in 2013 (23rd overall) out of Oral Roberts University, Gonzalez underwent Tommy John surgery in July of 2017, and will be on a Minor League rehab assignment with Spokane. Also, explore local non-profit outdoor organizations and enjoy a day focused on the Inland Northwest and the great outdoors. Participating Organizations include: Mule Deer Foundation, Spokane Tribal Hatchery, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, and Spokane Riverkeeper. Plus, join us after the game for Catch on the Field courtesy of Pizza Factory! Gates open at 2:30 PM with first pitch at 3:30 PM. Tickets for all Spokane Indians home games are available to purchase at the Avista Stadium Ticket Office or at spokaneindians.com. Reserve your seats today by calling (509) 343-OTTO (6886) or TicketsWest at 1-800-325-SEAT.