OPENING DAY: Vancouver vs. Spokane Indians on SWX! - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Spokane Indians

OPENING DAY: Vancouver vs. Spokane Indians on SWX!

Updated:
by Jared Frank, KHQ.com/SWXRightNow.com - email
© Spokane hosts Vancouver Friday night in the season opener for both teams (Photo: SWX) © Spokane hosts Vancouver Friday night in the season opener for both teams (Photo: SWX)
SPOKANE, Wash. -

The Spokane Indians expect a near sellout crowd on opening day at Avista Stadium. The Indians host Vancouver Friday night in a game televised live on SWX.

Spokane practiced Thursday night under the lights so they know what to expect.

The packed house at Spokane's award-winning stadium is a far cry from the sparse crowds the newly arrived Indians are used to – whether it was in high school, college or in the Arizona

Indians on SWX

Vancouver Canadians
vs.
Spokane Shock

Fri., June 15
at 6:30 p.m. (PT)

TV: SWX

league.

"I'm really excited," said pitcher Shawn Blackwell. "In Arizona there wasn't much fan support at games. They don't seem like real games. I'm excited to get out in front of the fans and play some baseball."

It's not like they weren't playing real baseball in Arizona. It's just…

"The atmosphere is kind of what makes it," said pitcher Connor Sadzeck. "It'll be nice to have that crowd, for sure."

And then there's the field at Avista Stadium. The field is the perennial favorite in the Northwest League. The groundskeepers keep winning award after award for keeping it in perfect condition.

"I like it; I've only been between here and hotel but the field is nice, so you can't beat a nice field," said infielder Barrett Serratto.

John Kukuruda, in his second year in the NWL, will get the start on Friday against the Canadians.

"I'm just trying to prepare myself for Friday and be ready for the game."

The game gets underway at 6:30 on Friday. Fans will be treated to a fireworks show after the game.

  • Pro SportsPro

  • Spokane Shock wide receiver Mike Washington joined Sam Adams in the SWX Studio on Tuesday, March 4, for another edition of Shock Talk. Washington played the past three seasons for the Pittsburgh Power and racked up 365 receptions, 4,446 yards receiving and 100 receiving touchdowns...
    Spokane Shock wide receiver Mike Washington joined Sam Adams in the SWX Studio on Tuesday, March 4, for another edition of Shock Talk. Washington played the past three seasons for the Pittsburgh Power and racked up 365 receptions, 4,446 yards receiving and 100 receiving touchdowns...

  • The Kelowna Rockets scored two third period goals to snap a 1-1 tie and went to hand the Spokane Chiefs their third straight loss with a 3-1 win over Spokane Wednesday night in Kelowna, B.C. Spokane still remains 1 point ahead of Everett for 5th place in the Western Conference playoff race...
    The Kelowna Rockets scored two third period goals to snap a 1-1 tie and went to hand the Spokane Chiefs their third straight loss with a 3-1 win over Spokane Wednesday night in Kelowna, B.C. Spokane still remains 1 point ahead of Everett for 5th place in the Western Conference playoff race...

  • Thursday, March 6 2014 2:05 AM EST2014-03-06 07:05:22 GMT
    After a disappointing 2013 season in which the team failed to qualify for the postseason for the first time since joining the IFL in 2010, the Tri-Cities Fever began their 2014 campaign with a dominating
    After a disappointing 2013 season in which the team failed to qualify for the postseason for the first time since joining the IFL in 2010, the Tri-Cities Fever began their 2014 campaign with a dominating
    •   

  • Spokane IndiansSpokane Indians

  • Tuesday, October 29 2013 4:04 PM EDT2013-10-29 20:04:54 GMT
    Former Spokane Indians catcher Jorge Alfaro (2011) and infielder Brett Nicholas (2010-11) have been selected to participate in the Arizona Fall League's version of the All-Star Game, the Fall Stars Game.
    Former Spokane Indians catcher Jorge Alfaro (2011) and infielder Brett Nicholas (2010-11) have been selected to participate in the Arizona Fall League's version of the All-Star Game, the Fall Stars Game.

  • Wednesday, October 23 2013 8:43 PM EDT2013-10-24 00:43:36 GMT
    The Spokane Indians announced today that Tim Hulett will return to the team as Manager for the seventh consecutive season. Hulett is the longest tenured manager in the 110-year history of the Indians.
    The Spokane Indians announced today that Tim Hulett will return to the team as Manager for the seventh consecutive season. Hulett is the longest tenured manager in the 110-year history of the Indians.

  • Wednesday, October 2 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-10-03 02:42:59 GMT
    Kelvin Vasquez and David Ledbetter have been named to Baseball America's Top 20 Northwest League prospect list, coming in at No. 6 and No. 11, respectively.
    Kelvin Vasquez and David Ledbetter have been named to Baseball America's Top 20 Northwest League prospect list, coming in at No. 6 and No. 11, respectively.
    •