September 1, 2026 — EVERETT, Wash.: Battling for a spot in the 2026 Northwest League Championship Series, the Everett AquaSox kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating the Spokane Indians 7-1 during the first game of a six-game series at Avista Stadium.
AquaSox pitching held the Indians offense at-bay all night long, allowing just six total hits throughout the game. Starting pitcher Adam Maier turned in one of his best performances of the season, striking out four while allowing just one run across 5.0 innings of four-hit baseball. Turning in a lights-out performance from the bullpen was right-hander Sam Whiting, who struck out five across three shutout innings of work, and righty Ben Hernandez closed the door on Spokane by tossing a scoreless ninth inning.
Opening the scoring for Everett was Austin St. Laurent, who scored on a wild pitch during the top of the second inning. Driving in the go-ahead run was Luis Suisbel, who hit an RBI single to break a 1-1 tie during the top of the fourth, and bringing home insurance runs with a two-run single was Luke Stevenson.
Everett’s Matthew Ellis totaled two RBIs during the final third of the game by hitting into an RBI groundout and by lining an RBI single, and Brandon Eike also scored a run as St. Laurent reached on an error.
Clayton Gray provided the Indians’ only offense in the bottom of the second inning, knocking an RBI double after Robert Calaz walked and Alan Espinal singled.
PICTURED ABOVE: Adam Maier
PHOTO BY: James Snook
LOOKING AHEAD: The AquaSox continue their six-game series against the Spokane Indians, High-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies! The series is the Frogs’ final of the 2026 regular season, and Game Two is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, at Avista Stadium. Everett currently trails the Vancouver Canadians for a berth in the 2026 Northwest League Championship Series and, in the event the AquaSox qualify for the postseason, Game One would fall Tuesday, September 8, at Everett Memorial Stadium.
ABOUT THE EVERETT AQUASOX: The Everett AquaSox are the defending 2025 Northwest League Champions and serve as the High-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Established in 1984, the club has been affiliated with the Mariners since adopting the AquaSox name in 1995. For the latest updates on the 2026 season — including community initiatives and appearances by Webbly — follow the Frogs on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, or visit AquaSox.com. Season ticket packages, group outings, and picnic experiences are available now by calling (425) 258-3673 or by visiting the AquaSox Front Office at 3802 Broadway.
ABOUT MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Minor League Baseball consists of 120 teams across four classification levels (Single-A, High-A, Double-A and Triple-A) that are affiliated with Major League Baseball’s 30 teams. Fans flock to MiLB games to see baseball’s future stars and experience the affordable family-friendly entertainment that has been a staple of MiLB since 1901. For more information, visit MiLB.com and follow MiLB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.