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SPOKANE -- Yakima's new-look front line paid immediate dividends, helping the Reds get their season off to a solid start.

Jake Sagare and Junior Garcia made triumphant returns to the Reds, collecting all of the goals as Yakima blanked the Spokane Spiders 3-0 on Saturday night.

Sagare, who last played for the Reds in 2001, scored twice, once in each half, and assisted on a second-half goal by Garcia, who also had an assist in his first game with the team since suffering a broken collarbone midway through last season.

"Their speed and talent get along real well, and they have plenty of both," said Yakima coach Hector Vega. "The whole team played great. Everything went perfect."

Yakima's defense was air tight, with goalies Robert McCurdy and Brett Axelrod combining for seven saves.

Sagare broke the scoreless tie with a goal
20 minutes into the match. The teams then battled evenly until Garcia scored with four minutes left in regulation, with Sagare netting his second goal two minutes after that.

First half: 1, Yakima, Jake Sagare (German Hernandez), 20:00.

Second half: 2, Yakima, Junior Garcia (Sagare), 86:00; 3, Yakima, Sagare (Garcia), 88:00.

Saves: Robert McCurdy (Y) 3, Brett Axelrod (Y) 4.