Late Spokane rally sinks Hops in series opener

Better late than never, and that couldn’t have been more apt for a Spokane team that scored 10 runs over the last two innings en route to an 11-3 win over the Hops on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Hillsboro Ballpark.

The Indians scored five runs in the eighth inning and another five runs in the ninth, blowing open a 3-1 game.

Spokane had 10 of their 12 hits over the game’s final two innings after struggling mightily against Hops starter Avery Short

Short threw six innings, allowing one earned run on two hits, while striking out seven.

Colorado Rockies 2024 first round and third overall pick, Charlie Condon, led the visiting Indians offensively, going 2-for-5 with a triple, three RBI and two runs-scored.

In all, Spokane had four players tally multiple hits in the game.

Victor Juarez started the game on the mound for the Indians and allowed three earned runs on seven hits, but was spelled by three relievers, Welinton Herrera, Sam Weatherly and Luis Amoroso who combined to allow just one hit over the game’s final three innings.

Two of Hillsboro’s three runs came on a Jose Fernandez two-run home run in the fourth inning.

Christian Cerda and Manuel Pena each had two hits for the Hops.

The two teams play again at 7:05 p.m. tonight at Hillsboro Ballpark.