SPOKANE, WA – The Indians dropped their series opener against the Tri-City Dust Devils 8-3 tonight, but have two more games against the Devs to battle back into first place of the Northwest League East Division.

Michael Wagner started the game for Spokane, putting in three innings and giving up two earned runs while striking out four. For the game, 21 batters struck out from both teams combined.

The Indians tied the game up 3-3 in the fourth thanks to RBIs by Steve Marquardt, Billy Killian and Craig Gentry, but then Tri-Cities went on to score five unanswered runs to seal up the victory 8-3. Relievers Patrick Donovan and Brett Zamzow held the Dust Devils at bay for the final three innings, combining for five strikeouts, no walks and just one earned run. However, the Indians’ bats just couldn’t get started again.

The loss drops the Indians only one game behind the Dust Devils, a game that they can easily make up by beating them tomorrow night during the second contest of the three-game series. Tomas Santiago will take the mound for Tri-Cities, and Texas Rangers’ 2006 first-round draft pick Kasey Kiker will be waiting for him.

Get some relief from prices at the gas pumps tomorrow with Free Gas Giveaway Night, presented by the SPOKO Fuel and 103.9 BOB FM. The first pitch is at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. To reserve your seats, call the Indians at (509) 535-2922 or visit www.spokaneindiansbaseball.com. Make It An Indians Summer!