Francisco Ventura’s three-run double ignites Spokane Indians to win at Eugene

EUGENE – The Spokane Indians’ first hit Saturday night was the only one they needed.

Francisco Ventura’s bases-clearing double in the fourth inning sparked Spokane to a 7-2 win over the Eugene Emeralds in Northwest League play at PK Park.

Eugene starter Eury Ramos (1-2) retired the first nine Indians he faced but ran into trouble in the fourth with back-to-back walks and a hit batter. Ramos struck out the next two batters and had a 3-2 count on Ventura when the Indians catcher cleared the bases with his double to right field.

The Indians added four runs in the sixth, aided by back-to-back throwing errors by Emeralds third baseman Grant Fennell. Diosbel Arias had an RBI single during the inning, and Ventura picked up his fourth RBI on Fennell’s bases-loaded force attempt.

Spokane (7-5 second half) remained tied for first place in the North Division with Everett and Vancouver. Eugene, of the South Division, dropped to 5-7.

Spokane starter Jake Latz (4-1) allowed four hits and two earned runs in 5 2/3 innings, striking out nine and walking three. Indians relievers Wes Robertson, Brett Eibner and Emmanuel Clase combined for 3 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and walking none.

Ramos took the loss, although he allowed just Ventura’s hit. He was charged with three earned runs in 3 2/3 innings, striking out six.

The Emeralds outhit Spokane 6-3. Jake Slaughter led the way, finishing 2 for 3 with an RBI.

The teams have split the first four games of the five-game series. Spokane clinched the season series with its sixth win in nine games.

NWL All-Stars will meet Pioneer League All-Stars at 5:40 p.m. Tuesday in Grand Junction, Colorado.