Indians win pitchers' duel to close out series

SPOKANE — A two-run homer by Starling Joseph and stellar pitching helped the Indians edge visiting Hillsboro 2-1 on Tuesday night before 4,170 fans at Avista Stadium.

After the Hops (29-17, 5-3 second half) took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third, Joseph blasted his sixth homer of the season in the bottom of the inning to put Spokane (21-25, 5-3) ahead for good. His two-out round-tripper knocked in Isaias Quiroz, who opened the third with a single.

Hans Crouse (4-1) allowed four hits and one run while striking out six to earn the victory, while three Indians relievers held the Hops without a hit or a walk over the final four innings.

The win helped the Indians win two games in the five-game home series with Hillsboro.

Spokane visits Eugene for a 7:05 game tonight, the first of a five-game series with the Emeralds.

Before the game, Spokane had third baseman Diosbel Arias, pitcher Emmanuel Clase, pitcher Hans Crouse, first baseman Curtis Terry and catcher Francisco Ventura named to the Northwest League All-Star team for next Tuesday’s game against the Pioneer League in Grand Junction, Colo.

The five selections named ties Tri-City for the most for the Northwest League from a single team. It is the most players Spokane has sent since the team had eight selected in 2014.