Big first inning leads Indians past Boise

BOISE — Spokane’s 17-run Sunday outburst apparently carried over to Monday’s game, as the visiting Indians scored five first-inning runs, then held off Boise for a 6-5 win in front of 2,861 fans at Memorial Stadium.

Alexander Ovalles’ three-run home run capped the first inning outburst for Spokane. He drove in four of the Indians’ six runs, including a much-needed insurance run in the sixth inning.

Boise (23-33 overall, 8-10 second half) scored three runs in the second inning, keyed by Tyler Plantier’s double. Plantier pulled the Hawks within 6-5 with an eighth-inning RBI single, but Spokane closer Werner Leal earned his fourth save with a scoreless ninth inning.

Indians reliever Nic Laio (4-1) earned the win with three innings of work, allowing an unearned run and four hits while striking out five.

The Indians (32-24, 10-8) go for a series sweep when they battle Boise tonight at 6:15 PDT.