Miguel Aparicio’s ninth-inning grand slam sends Spokane Indians to season-best fifth-straight win

EVERETT – Miguel Aparicio slugged a two-out grand slam in the top of the ninth and the Spokane Indians survived a two-run Everett rally in the bottom of the inning to take a 6-5 victory on Sunday for their season-best fifth consecutive win.

The Indians are off to a 6-1 start in the second half, good for a two-game lead in the Northwest League’s North Division.

Matt Whatley walked to lead off the ninth and Kole Enright singled with one out. Everett brought in reliever Michael Rivera (0-1), who advanced the runners on a balk with AquaSox manager Jose Moreno then being ejected. Kobie Taylor was intentionally walked and after Nick Kaye flew out, Aparicio hit his grand slam to right-center.

Alex Eubanks (2-0) gave up a pair of doubles and two runs in the bottom of the ninth and had a runner on before Argenis Rodriguez relieved, walked one batter and then got the final out for his first save.

The homer was Aparicio’s second this season with Whatley also hitting his second, a solo shot leading off the fifth. Aparicio also scored a run in the eighth, reaching third on a throwing error and coming home on Tyler Ratliff’s ground-ball out.

The two homers were the only extra-base hits for the Indians, who had five singles, including two by Yonny Hernandez.

Starting pitcher Tyler Phillips went five innings for Spokane, giving up two runs, one unearned, on five hits with a walk and two of the Indians’ nine strikeouts.

The AquaSox (2-5) collected 10 hits including solo home runs by Onil Pena, his sixth, and Ronald Rosario, his fourth.

The Indians have the next three days off with the Pioneer League-Northwest League All-Star Game in Hillsboro, Oregon, on Tuesday. Indians pitcher Cole Ragans and third baseman Ratliff are on the NWL roster.

Spokane will host Eugene for five games beginning Thursday.