Monday, Jun. 29, 2009

Long ball leads Dust Devils past Spokane

HERALD NEWS SERVICES

SPOKANE -- Mike Zuanich's three-run blast capped a five-run 10th inning and the Tri-City Dust Devils recovered after blowing a big lead to beat the Spokane Indians 12-7 on Sunday night at Avista Stadium.

The win keeps Tri-City (7-2) atop the Northwest League East Division and handed the third-place Indians (3-5) their fifth loss in six games.

The Dust Devils led 6-0 after Tim Wheeler's two-out, three-run blast in the fourth inning scored Leonardo Reyes and Joey Wong. Wheeler finished with four hits on the night, including a pair of doubles.

Wong's two-run double powered a three-run second inning for Tri-City. Kevin Clark and Joseph Sanders led off with singles and moved up on a double steal.

Clark scored on Reyes' sacrifice fly. After Austin Rauch drew a walk, Wong doubled to left.

Spokane started chipping away in its half of the fourth with a pair of runs. The Indians tied the score with a four-run fifth, taking advantage of a leadoff walk, an error and a hit batter.

The Dust Devils outhit Spokane 15-8 but made four errors.

After missing out on several late scoring chances, Tri-City finally struck in the 10th. Wong led off with a walk and Wheeler doubled before a hit batter loaded the bases.

Another hit batter and a sacrifice fly plated two more runs, then Zuanich launched a two-out shot to put the game away.

Wong and Kent Matthes each had three hits for Tri-City, Mattes also ripping a pair of doubles as the Dust Devils had seven extra-base hits on the night.

Kyle Walker (3-1), the fourth of five Tri-City pitchers, picked up the win.