Bears Take Series With 6-1 Win

The Yakima Bears beat the Spokane Indians 6-1 Friday night at Yakima County Stadium. Two games in to the three-game series Bears have already earned the series win, a series win that came after five-consecutive series losses.

Both teams scored a run in the first inning, as the Bears tied the game with three singles from the top of the batting order, including a Shuan Cooper RBI single. Two-out RBI-hits from Mark Ginther, Michael Lang, and Josh Parr plated three runs in the fourth inning to give the lead to the Bears for good. The Bears added a single run in both the fifth and sixth innings thanks to a double by Rodriguez in the fifth and a single from Kevin Medrano in the sixth.

The offense produced 14 hits Friday and now has 27 hits after two games in the series against Spokane. Yogey Perez-Ramos went 3-for-4 in the lead-off spot and Kevin Medrano went 3-for-5 in the second spot in the order. Mark Ginther and Michael Lang both had two hits. The only Bears batter without a hit was Wagner Mateo, who reached on two walks and scored a run. The Bears offense went 6-for-11 with runners in scoring position and had four two-out RBIs.

Bears starter Derrick Stultz earned his first professional win after allowing only one run while fanning five in five innings of work. Victor Acosta and Enrique Burgos each tossed a pair of scoreless innings. While the Bears defense did commit two errors, the pitchers were helped by three double plays turned behind them.

The Bears have won three-straight games and go for the series sweep against Spokane on Saturday. Game time is scheduled for 7:05. Right-handed pitchers Blake Perry of the Bears and Jose Valdespina of the Indians are the probable pitchers for the finale.