APPLESOX NAME KYLE KRUSTANGEL, YVCC SKIPPER, AS NEW HEAD COACH

Current Yakima Valley Community College baseball coach Kyle Krustangel, will be the fourth coach of the AppleSox, the team announced, Wednesday. 

WENATCHEE– Current Yakima Valley Community College coach Kyle Krustangel will be the next head coach of the Wenatchee AppleSox, team co-owner and assistant general manager Ken Osborne announced, Wednesday. Krustangel takes the reigns from former AppleSox coach AJ Proszek and is the fourth coach in the organization’s 18-year history.

Krustangel, a native of Spokane, Wash., helped the YVCC Yaks to an NWAC Championship last season, while also earning NWAC and ABCA Regional Coach of the Year honors.

“We were extremely impressed with the quality of the inquiries we received from across the US and beyond, but when we reviewed all the applicants, it was clear that Kyle Krustangel was our choice for this key position on our team,” Osborne said. “We are excited to have coach Krustangel lead the AppleSox. He comes very well recommended and we feel he is the right person to lead the AppleSox to another WCL title.”

Osborne led the national search for Wenatchee’s newest head coach, and the initial search pool of applicants was narrowed to a group of 40 candidates. Krustangel was a clear leader throughout the process, and impressed the organization as someone with previous head coaching experience, local ties to North Central Washington, and and the skills and contacts needed to recruit a talent-packed roster for the AppleSox. Krustangel was selected as the head coach by a combination of the AppleSox front office personnel and a search committee.

Krustangel took over at Yakima Valley Community College last season, after previously serving as an assistant coach at Whitworth University for one season. He also was the Head Coach of the Spokane Bandits (AAA American Legion) for four seasons, and the Head Varsity Baseball Coach at Bridgeport High School for two seasons.

“As a former player in the WCL, and having seen all that it can provide, I am excited to be back in the league as the coach of the Wenatchee AppleSox,” Krustangel said. “The AppleSox have a rich tradition, and I saw that as a player and as a coach along the way. I’m excited to become a part of the team and build on an already successful franchise. I’d also like to thank team owners Jim Corcoran and Ken Osborne, as well as the search committee, for trusting me with this job, and I’m excited to get to work.”

As a player, Krustangel was a 2009 member of the Spokane RiverHawks, and played for three seasons at Whitworth University, where he owned a career .325 batting average and was named to the NWC all-conference team two times.

Prior to his time as a Whitworth Pirate, Krustangel played at Big Bend Community College for one season, after graduating from Ferris High School in Spokane in 2006.

Krustangel began his coaching career while still in college, coaching youth ages 14-19 each summer from 2009-2012. He took over a baseball program at Bridgeport High School, near Brewster, that had just 12 players to its name. By 2014, Krustangel’s program totaled 41 players with full varsity and junior-varsity teams. Bridgeport made playoff appearances in 2013 and 2014, and Krustangel was the 2014 NWC Coach of the Year. He also was the head football coach for two seasons, and taught ESL and history for three years.

Krustangel’s AAA Legion Bandits, who he played for growing up, acheived 2013 and 2014 League Championships under his direction. They also participated in the 2014 state competition.

At Whitworth University, serving as a hitting, catching, and corner infield coach, the Pirates won the 2015 NWAC Tournament, and earned an NCAA Regional appearance for just the second time in school history. His hitters accumulated a .305 team batting average.

Last season, at YVCC, the Yaks set the NWAC Tournament record with 27-scoreless innings to open tournament play. One of his players went on to win an ABCA Gold Glove, and twelve of his sophomores moved on to four-year schools, while the team attained a 3.05 GPA.

Krustangel will immediately take over recruiting the 2017 AppleSox roster, and will fill out the rest of his coaching staff throughout the offseason.

The Wenatchee AppleSox open their 18th season of play in June, 2017. For moe information, fans can visit www.applesox.com. 

AJ PROSZEK TO STEP ASIDE FROM APPLESOX COACHING POSITION

AJ Proszek, the third head coach of the AppleSox, announced he will not be returning for the 2017 season, Tuesday. 

WENATCHEE–  Fourth-year coach, and second-year head coach AJ Proszek announced his decision to not return as the head coach of the Wenatchee AppleSox for the 2017 season, Tuesday. Proszek will spend more time in Spokane with his wife and family, while dedicating his summer months to time recruiting and managing his pitching staff at the Community Colleges of Spokane. 

Wenatchee's third head coach, Proszek won 50 games in his AppleSox head-coaching career. 

“My time in Wenatchee has given me an incredible experience to learn and grow as a coach, and I am grateful for the last four summers that I have spent as a member of this community,” said Proszek. “The West Coast League provides an outstanding atmosphere for players and coaches to improve their skills, and everyone involved spends a great deal of time to make each summer a valuable experience. After talking with my family and weighing my options, I’ve decided the best thing for me to do right now is to focus my energy in Spokane with the Sasquatch baseball program, and also to spend more time at home with my wife Cara.”

In total, Proszek coached 136 collegiate athletes during his four seasons in Wenatchee. The third all-time coach of the AppleSox, Proszek coached Brandon Bailey to a West Coast League All-League Pitching honor in 2014, and an additional three players to All-League honors in 2015, with more 2016 league honorees scheduled to be announced after the postseason.

“AJ continued the history of impressive AppleSox coaches as an integral part of our operation, and was an outstanding representation of what AppleSox baseball is all about,” said team co-owner and general manager Jim Corcoran. “Every day I work with AJ, I grow more and more impressed with the way that he manages his team, and is able to focus his energies into efforts to not only make the summer a positive experience for his players and coaching staff, but also for the rest of our staff, the fans, and other teams we work with in the league. It has been a pleasure working with AJ the last four seasons, and he leaves extremely large shoes for the next AppleSox head coach to fill.”

A two-year player in the West Coast League with Spokane RiverHawks, and former minor-league pitcher in the San Francisco Giants organization, Proszek won 50 games in two seasons as the AppleSox head coach, and his teams had five players selected to WCL All-Star rosters.

His pitching staff set the West Coast League record for strikeouts in 2014, setting down the opposition 468 times; a record barely beaten this year by the Walla Walla Sweets (471). 

Proszek coached 136 athletes during his four years in Wenatchee. 

Tuesday, following his fourth year in Wenatchee, Proszek continued to thank those who made his last four years of coaching a success. 

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank my wife for her continuous support of my career and my family for their love and encouragement. Also, I’d like to thank the AppleSox organization, especially Jim Corcoran and Ken Osborne for the opportunity to lead the AppleSox. I also owe a great deal of thanks to former AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs, the assistant coaches I have worked with the past few seasons, the other coaches I have worked with in the league, and the players who made my time coaching here a positive experience. Also, I’ve been blown away by the fans, host families, and people I’ve met in the Wenatchee Valley. They have always valued me as AJ the person, not just AJ the coach. I will be taking many great memories and friendships away from Wenatchee with me.”

The AppleSox have begun the search for the team’s next coach, and co-owner and assistant general manager Ken Osborne is heading the search committee. The team is excited to find a coach who can build upon the foundation laid by the organization’s first three head coaches; Gary Lewallen, Ed Knaggs, and AJ Proszek.  

APPLESOX SUFFER COME-FROM-BEHIND DEFEAT IN SEASON FINALE

The AppleSox fell 7-6 in their series finale, Sunday, at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE–  The Wenatchee AppleSox (19-35, 9-18 second half), led the Bellingham Bells (31-23, 16-11) for most of Sunday night’s contest, however, the Bells won 7-6, in the AppleSox’ season finale at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Wenatchee took early control of the last game of the season, scoring two runs in the first inning for an early advantage. 

Michael Toglia brought a batter home on a sacrifice fly and an RBI triple for Jordan Rathbone. The triple was his fifth of the season, tying him with Toglia for the most triples in the WCL. Toglia also hit his league-leading 40th RBI in the inning. 
The AppleSox finished the season with a WCL-best 19 triples. 

Bellingham got a run back in the second inning on an RBI double for Matt DiLeo. The run came against Mac Lardner, who also gave up two runs in the fourth inning, including a two-run home run for Christian Jones. 

The AppleSox immediately came back with four runs to take a 6-3 lead. Matt Fraizer and Ryan Kreidler, along with two errors to score the other runs. 

Wenatchee was done scoring, with Zach Taylor throwing four shutout innings while picking off three batters. 

In the sixth inning, Justin Polzin added a run for the Bellingham Bells to trim the deficit to 6-4. The run came off of Lardner. 

Blankenship threw a scoreless inning and a third to get Wenatchee to the eighth, leading 6-4. However, Adam Paulson, who had two saves and no losses, allowed a run in the eighth on a walk, two stolen bases, and a wild pitch.
Then in the ninth, Bellingham claimed a lead against Paulson with an RBI single for Gunar Schubert and Austin Shenton drove in the winning run with an RBI single. 

The AppleSox got the first two batters of the bottom of the ninth inning aboard against Sam Hellinger, the WCL leader in saves. With Sheldon Liikala trying to lay down a sacrifice bunt, the Bells pitcher threw to third base to cut down the leading runner, and then a strikeout of Toglia and a groundout ended the season for Wenatchee. 

Bellingham took momentum into the playoffs, claiming the official title of WCL North Second-Half Champions. 

The AppleSox finished their 17th franchise season in front of a supportive home crowd. 

APPLESOX END SEASON WITH BELLS, SUNDAY

The AppleSox end the 2016 season at home, Sunday, against the Bellingham Bells.

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs Bellingham Bells
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium |       6:05 p.m.  
L- Mac Lardner vs. R- Gio Lopez (1-2)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (19-34, 9-17, 9-14 North), fifth place in the North Division wrap up the 2016 season at home against the Bellingham Bells (31-22, 16-10, 14-9) who clinched the final WCL playoff spot Friday...for the AppleSox, Sunday’s game marks a chance to win the season series against the Bells...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (49-66) (.426), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT - APPLESOX 9, BELLINGHAM 6
WENATCHEE –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (19-34, 9-17 second half), won an offensively-powered game 9-6 over the Bellingham Bells (31-22, 16-10) to even the season’s final series, Saturday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. ..the Bells struck for two runs in the first...however, Wenatchee had a big answer for its starter Luke Mattson (2-7) in the bottom half...Ryan Kreidler started a bases-loaded opening to the game with a single and a walk of Evan Douglas, and a hit by pitch of Sheldon Liikala loaded the bases for Michael Toglia...Toglia delivered a 2-RBI single through the right side to get the game back to even, and net his 37th and 38th RBIs on the season, making him the WCL leader...Jordan Rathbone hit in a go-ahead run on a fielder’s choice, and a Dalton Harum single and a wild pitch gave the Sox a 5-2 advantage after one inning...Mattson settled down to score four scoreless innings in the second through the fifth, while his offense got him another four-run backing in the fourth...the runs were important, as Mattson fell into some trouble in his sixth and final inning...with two runners on, and a run already home on an error, the Bells connected on a three-run blast from Landon Riker to make the score 9-6...the AppleSox bats fell silent late, with the game’s final 11 batters retired in order for Wenatchee, but that posed no problem for the bullpen that protected the lead...Nick Hoefling and Miceal Taylor each tossed two scoreless innings, and Taylor’s were mighty impressive, only allowing one hit in his final two collegiate summer league innings, while earning his second save.

TONIGHT'S NOTES
FOR THE SERIES WIN
Tonight, the Wenatchee AppleSox have a chance to win a season series for the first time this season, having previously tied four teams in season-series play (Gresham, Bend, Kelowna, and Walla Walla). The AppleSox won only a single season series a year ago (2-1) over the Kitsap BlueJackets. Tonight could also win Wenatchee the current series with the playoff-bound Bells. 

SUNDAY FUN DAY
The Wenatchee AppleSox play great baseball on Sundays this season...in fact, it is the only day of the week when the AppleSox have an above-.500 record (4-3). 

LARDNER THE STARTER
Since moving to a starting role to end the 2016 season, Mac Lardner is having plenty of success. He hasn’t lost a game as a starter and is 2-0 with an average of just over 5-innings per game. He has averaged allowing 2.33 earned runs per game in his three starts. 

SOX BATS CATCH FIRE, DOWN BELLS IN BIG GAME TWO

Wenatchee out-punched the Bells offense early, on the way to a 9-6 win at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE–  The Wenatchee AppleSox (19-34, 9-17 second half), won an offensively-powered game 9-6 over by the Bellingham Bells (31-22, 16-10) to even the season’s final series, Saturday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. 

The AppleSox looked like a team in trouble early, allowing two runs in the first inning to the Bellingham Bells, who locked up a WCL Playoff spot a night earlier. 

However, Wenatchee had a big answer for its starter Luke Mattson (2-7) in the bottom of the first. The AppleSox brought 11 batters to the plate, and Ryan Kreidler started a bases-loaded opening to the game with a single and a walk of Evan Douglas, and a hit by pitch of Sheldon Liikala loaded the bases for Michael Toglia. 

Toglia delivered a 2-RBI single through the right side to get the game back to even, and net his 37th and 38th RBIs on the season, making him the WCL leader. 

Jordan Rathbone hit in a go-ahead run on a fielder’s choice, and a Dalton Harum single and a wild pitch gave the Sox a 5-2 advantage after one inning. They chased Joey Matulovich (3-5) after an inning and a third. 

Mattson settled down to score four scoreless innings in the second through the fifth, while his offense got him another four-run backing in the fourth. 

The runs were important, as Mattson fell into some trouble in his sixth and final inning. With two runners on, and a run already home on an error, the Bells connected on a three-run blast from Landon Riker to make the score 9-6. 

The AppleSox bats fell silent late, with the game’s final 11 batters retired in order for Wenatchee, but that posed no problem for the bullpen that protected the lead. 

Nick Hoefling and Miceal Taylor each tossed two scoreless innings, and Taylor’s were mighty impressive. The senior-to-be at Central Washington wrapped up his fourth year pitching at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, only allowing one hit in his final two collegiate summer league innings, while earning his second save. 

The AppleSox play for the series, Sunday at 6:05 p.m. Mac Lardner will be the starter for Wenatchee.

SOX FACE PLAYOFF-BOUND BELLS, SATURDAY

The AppleSox and the Bellingham Bells square off Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs Bellingham Bells
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium |       7:05 p.m.  
R- Luke Mattson (1-7) vs. R- Joey Matulovich (3-4)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-34, 8-17, 8-14 North), fifth place in the North Division wrap up the 2016 season at home against the Bellingham Bells (31-21, 16-9, 14-8) who clinched the final WCL playoff spot when Walla Walla lost during the Bell’s game one with Wenatchee...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (48-66) (.421), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT - APPLESOX 3, BELLINGHAM 4
WENATCHEE –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-34, 8-17 second half), were held at bay for six innings by the Bellingham Bells (31-21, 16-9) until a Haydan Hastings home run game them new life, Friday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium in a game the Bells won 4-3 in 11 innings...until the seventh, a three-run home run for Shane Hanon had provided all of the Bells’ offense...up 3-0, Spencer Howard cruised as the starter for the Bells, tossing five shutout innings on just two hits...in the sixth, Jeff Gelinas had little trouble with the Sox, surrendering just a walk, however, in the seventh he let two aboard on a batter hit by pitch and a single, and was taken out for Jeff Zavisubin...Hastings gave Zavisubin a rude welcome to the contest, launching his first pitch out of the ‘pen over the right field fence to tie the game 3-3. It was Hastings’ second home run of the season...Tony Contonio covered for three innings in relief for Wenatchee behind Young’s six, however, the Sox couldn’t get a run and the game went into extras.without anymore rested arms, the AppleSox turned to Sheldon Liikala who threw two innings of one unearned run baseball, that included a brilliant strikeout of a Bell batter in the tenth on a pitch in the dirt...Liikala gave up the unearned run on a single in the eleventh, and eventual throwing error, E6, that brought home the game’s winning run...Sam Hellinger shut the door for the Bells and picked up his WCL-leading 12th save...Otis Statum singled in the inning, and got as far as second, but the Sox were unable to bring him around. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
ALL GOOD THINGS...
Michael Toglia’s 11-game hitting streak came to an end Friday night against the Bells...Toglia started his streak July 23 against the Bellingham Bells...over the course of his streak, his batting average rose from .274 to a team-leading .311...he was 16-for-37 (.432) and scored seven runs, with four doubles, a triple, two home runs, including an inside-the-park grand slam. He drove in 10 runners over the span and went 7-for-18 against the Bellingham Bells alone, with two doubles, a triple, a home run, and 3 RBI. 

UNBLEMISHED
With a no-decision last night, the lone All-Star representative from the AppleSox pitching staff, Matt Young, finished with a 3-0 league record, and was 4-0 over the entire season, factoring in a seven-inning win over the Alaska Goldpanners. Young joins recent additions Tony Contonio and Adam Paulson, along with full-season reliever Miceal Taylor as the only AppleSox pitchers without a loss this season. Young was the only starting pitcher to not lose a game. 

ON THE LINE TONIGHT
A win for the Bellingham Bells tonight would give them the title of WCL North Second-Half Champions...if the AppleSox steal games two and three of the series, and Victoria wins its last two games of the season, the HarbourCats would be able to claim Division titles in both the first and second halves. However, remember, regardless Bellingham punched its ticket to the playoffs last night with a Walla Walla loss in Kelowna. Coincidentally, tonight, Bellingham could guarantee the title of Second-Half Champion with a Victoria loss; something the AppleSox are rooting for, who need the HarbourCats (38 wins) to lose their final two games in order for the 2011 AppleSox (39 wins) to continue to hold the WCL wins record outright. 

APPLESOX FORCE EXTRAS ON HASTINGS’ BLAST; FALL IN 11

Haydan Hastings hit his second home run of the season, but Wenatchee fell 4-3 in 11 innings, Friday night. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE–  The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-34, 8-17 second half), were held at bay for six innings by the Bellingham Bells (31-21, 16-9) until a Haydan Hastings home run game them new life, Friday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium in a game the Bells won 4-3 in 11 innings.

Until the seventh, a three-run home run for Shane Hanon had provided all of the Bells’ offense. It came off of Matt Young in the third inning and was the first home run he had allowed all season. For Hanon, the WCL’s leading hitter, it was his second of the year. 

Up 3-0, Spencer Howard cruised as the starter for the Bells, tossing five shutout innings on just two hits. 

In the sixth, Jeff Gelinas had little trouble with the Sox, surrendering just a walk, however, in the seventh he let two aboard on a batter hit by pitch and a single, and was taken out for Jeff Zavisubin. 

Hastings gave Zavisubin a rude welcome to the contest, launching his first pitch out of the ‘pen over the right field fence to tie the game 3-3. It was Hastings’ second home run of the season. 

Tony Contonio covered for three innings in relief for Wenatchee behind Young’s six, however, the Sox couldn’t get a run and the game went into extras. 

Without anymore rested arms, the AppleSox turned to Sheldon Liikala who threw two innings of one unearned run baseball, that included a brilliant strikeout of a Bell batter in the tenth on a pitch in the dirt. 

Liikala gave up the unearned run on a single in the eleventh, and eventual throwing error, E6, that brought home the game’s winning run. 

Sam Hellinger shut the door for the Bells and picked up his WCL-leading 12th save. Otis Statum singled in the inning, and got as far as second, but the Sox were unable to bring him around. 

Walla Walla lost earlier in the night to help Bellingham clinch the fourth and final spot in the WCL playoffs. Game two of the series is Saturday night at 7:05 p.m., and Luke Mattson will pitch for Wenatchee. 

SOX CLOSE SEASON WITH SET VS BELLS

The AppleSox end the 2016 season at home this weekend, starting with three games against the Bellingham Bells. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs Bellingham Bells
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium |       7:05 p.m.  
R- Ross Clevenger (1-3) vs. R- Spencer Howard (2-0)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-33, 8-16, 8-13 North), fifth place in the North Division wrap up the 2016 season at home against the Bellingham Bells (30-21, 15-9, 13-8) who will be playoff bound with a win or a Walla Walla loss in each of the next three nights...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (48-65) (.425), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT - APPLESOX 3, WALLA WALLA 7
WALLA WALLA –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-33, 8-16 second half), nearly took every last hope from the Walla Walla Sweets (28-23, 13-11) late-season playoff push, but the Sweets hung on to a small lead and expanded it late for a 7-3 victory at Borleske Stadium...Willie MacIver connected on his third double of the last two nights for a first-inning 1-0 lead...the Sweets added two more off of AppleSox starter Ross Clevenger (1-4), in the third inning. With two runners aboard and no outs, an RBI single and double play fielder’s choice RBI, made it 3-0 Sweets...a solo home run by Jordan Myrow,in the fifth gave Walla Walla a 4-0 lead...Sweet starter Chris Murphy worked five frames, surrendering only three hits, while striking out nine batters...the AppleSox put together a comeback bid in the seventh inning against Nick Scheidler. Otis Statum walked and Haydan Hastings and Matt Fraizer singled to load the bases with no outs...a Ryan Kreidler sacrifice fly to center, and Evan Douglas 2-RBI single got the Sox within one run at 4-3...AJ Carkner and Grant Ford combined to get the final outs of the inning, and Wenatchee left the bases loaded on a strikeout...Walla Walla struggled against Taylor Borchers for two innings, who was first in relief of a five-inning Clevenger start. Borchers retired six straight, before the Sweets got three insurance runs in the eighth inning on a Nick Vigo single, MacIver fourth double of the series and a Nick Nyquist fielder’s choice...Wenatchee was shut down, down the stretch, by Kyle Narahara who retired the games final five batters.

TONIGHT'S NOTES
TOGLIA EXTENDS HITTING STREAK
It took until the ninth inning last night, but Michael Toglia did extend his team-best hitting streak to a total of 11 games. The Gig Harbor native started his streak just after the All-Star break, July 23 against Kitsap.

ROAD SCHEDULE COMPLETE
Last night, Wenatchee completed its 2016 season away from home. The AppleSox played to a total of 9-18 away from Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium this year.

HUNTING FOR A SEASON SERIES WIN
Again the AppleSox are in search of a season series win, after ending last night tied with the Walla Walla Sweets, 3-3 on the season series. Wenatchee has tied four teams in season series play this summer (Gresham, Bend, Kelowna, and Walla Walla). The AppleSox also are still looking for their first league sweep, something that the Walla Walla Sweets certainly are hoping for.

OFF HIS LONGEST START
Matt Young threw seven innings last weekend against the Alaska Goldpanners, when the AppleSox removed his innings limit...if the top is off again tonight, expect Young to be ready to go. The left-hander was an immaculately accuratestrike-thrower last weekend, tossing seven Ks without a single walk. He started in Bellingham earlier this year, throwing shutout baseball for five frames, while only allowing four hits. 

SOX COMEBACK TRY FALLS SHORT, WALLA WALLA KEEPS PLAYOFF HOPES ALIVE

The Sweets and AppleSox tied on their 2016 season series 3-3.

BOX SCORE

WALLA WALLA –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-33, 8-16 second half), nearly took every last hope from the Walla Walla Sweets (28-23, 13-11) late-season playoff push, but the Sweets hung on to a small lead and expanded it late for a 7-3 victory at Borleske Stadium, Thursday night.

Wenatchee’s final road game of 2016 was off to a less-than-optimal start when Willie MacIver connected on his third double of the last two night for a first-inning 1-0 lead. 

The Sweets added two more off of AppleSox starter Ross Clevenger (1-4), in the third inning. With two runners aboard and no outs, an RBI single and double play fielder’s choice RBI, made it 3-0 Sweets. 

A solo home run in the fifth got the large Walla Walla crowd excited. Hit by Jordan Myrow, it was his first of the season and the first off of Clevenger all year. It gave Walla Walla a 4-0 lead. 

After getting through the start from WCL strikeout leader Chris Murphy, Wenatchee was finally able to generate some offense. Murphy worked five frames, surrendering only three hits, while striking out nine batters. 

The AppleSox put together a comeback bid in the seventh inning against Nick Scheidler. Otis Statum walked and Haydan Hastings and Matt Fraizer singled to load the bases with no outs. A Ryan Kreidler sacrifice fly to center, and Evan Douglas 2-RBI single got the Sox within one run at 4-3. 

Aj Carkner and Grant Ford combined to get the final outs of the inning, and Wenatchee left the bases loaded on a strikeout. 

Walla Walla struggled against Taylor Borchers for two innings, who was first in relief of a five-inning Clevenger start. Borchers retired six straight, before the Sweets got three insurance runs in the eighth inning on a Nick Vigo single, MacIver fourth double of the series and a Nick Nyquist fielder’s choice. 

Wenatchee was shut down, down the stretch, by Kyle Narahara who tied up the saves race in the WCL, posting his tenth. Narahara retired the games final five batters. 

With the win, Walla Walla stayed alive in the WCL Playoff race, while Yakima Valley clinched the second South spot via a Gresham loss. The Sweets need the AppleSox help over the weekend, having to sweep Kelowna and have the Bellingham Bells lose all three games at Wenatchee.
Game one of the AppleSox series with the Bells, and the final home set of 2016 starts Friday night at 7:05 p.m., at Paul Thomas Sr. Field. 

THURSDAY RUBBER MATCH GAME VS SWEETS

The AppleSox play their last road game of 2016 tonight, hoping to sour the Sweets' playoff hopes in the series finale. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Walla Walla Sweets
Borleske Stadium |       7:05 p.m.  
R- Ross Clevenger (1-3) vs. L- Chris Murphy (2-1)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-32, 8-15, 8-12 North), fifth place in the North Division are visiting the Walla Walla Sweets (27-23, 12-11, 8-12) in another must-win game for Walla Walla’s playoff hopes...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (48-64) (.429), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT - APPLESOX 1, WALLA WALLA 6
WALLA WALLA –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-32, 8-15 second half), were stifled at the plate as the Walla Walla Sweets (27-23, 12-11), won 6-1, Wednesday at Borleske Stadium to even the series 1-1...early on, the AppleSox had trouble figuring out Easton Lucas (7-2)...the Pepperdine arm threw five shutout innings, and struck out seven of the first ten batters to face him, en route to a career-high nine strikeout night...the AppleSox picked up six innings from Grady Miller (3-4), who allowed four runs to score; the highest total since his first start in June against Yakima Valley...Walla Walla opened the scoring in the second inning on a one-out double for Nick Vigo...in the fifth, another three runs came off of Miller, as Vigo hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score a man with the bases loaded, and Willie MacIver supplied a 2-RBI double...in the seventh, Wenatchee answered Walla Walla with a run of its own, in an inning that could’ve yielded much more damage to the Sweets...with the bases loaded, and nobody out, Ryan Johnston forced a 4-6-3 double play off the bat of Matt Fraizer, and while it allowed a run to score, it successfully limited the damage for the Sweets...Walla Walla got its final two runs off of Nick Hoefling in relief, ending his league consecutive scoreless innings streak at 10 innings...MacIver slammed a second double for another RBI, and Coby Kauhaahaa delivered a clutch RBI single for the the 6-1 final...Kyle Narahara, second in the WCL North in saves, with 10, got the final three outs in a non-save situation for the Sweets.

TONIGHT'S NOTES
TOGLIA SWINGING
Last night, Michael Toglia extended his hitting streak to an AppleSox season-best 10 games, passing Evan Douglas’ nine-game stretch from June 4-22 earlier this season...Toglia’s stretch started on July 23 against the Kitsap BlueJackets...over the stretch, Toglia’s average has risen from .279 to .316 and he has gone 17-for-40 (.425) with 11 runs scored, 13 runs driven in, 2 HR, 8 BB, and 4 stolen bases.

LAST START FOR CLEVENGER
Tonight marks the final start of 2016 for AppleSox reliever/starter Ross Clevenger...in a flip-flop role, Clevenger has built innings both in the starting rotation and the ‘pen this summer...his last league start was in Yakima prior to the All Star Game and he gave up just two runs over five innings in a losing outing...Clevenger’s lone win this season came as a starter in Bend, June 21 when his club backed him with a nine-run second inning. 

WCL PLAYOFF PICTURE GAINS CLARITY
In the North Division, Victoria in as first-half champ...one Bellingham victory or one Walla Walla defeat puts the Bells in the playoffs as the second-half champion...the only way the Sweets can make it would be to win their final four games and for the Bells to lose their final three games...in the South Division Corvallis in as first-half champ...Yakima Valley is in if Gresham loses to Corvallis tonight...with a loss the Pippins and GreyWolves could tie for first in the second half, but YV holds the tiebreaker. 

HARMED BY DOUBLES
Facing the worst double-hitting team in the West Coast League, last night, the AppleSox allowed four two-baggers...it was the second-highest total of doubles allowed by Wenatchee in a single game this season.

SWEETS EVEN SERIES BEHIND LUCAS’ CAREER NIGHT

The AppleSox had trouble turning on the bats against Sweets' starter Easton Lucas, Wednesday night. 

BOX SCORE

WALLA WALLA –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-32, 8-15 second half), were stifled at the plate as the Walla Walla Sweets (27-23, 12-11), won 6-1, Wednesday at Borleske Stadium to even the series 1-1. 

Early on, the AppleSox had trouble figuring out Easton Lucas (7-2). The Pepperdine arm threw five shutout innings, and struck out seven of the first ten batters to face him, en route to a career-high nine strikeout night. 

The AppleSox picked up six innings from Grady Miller (3-4), who allowed four runs to score; the highest total since his first start in June against Yakima Valley. 

Walla Walla opened the scoring in the second inning on a one-out double for Nick Vigo. In the fifth, another three runs came off of Miller, as Vigo hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score a man with the bases loaded, and Willie MacIver supplied a 2-RBI double. 

In the seventh, Wenatchee answered Walla Walla with a run of its own, in an inning that could’ve yielded much more damage to the Sweets. With the bases loaded, and nobody out, Ryan Johnston forced a 4-6-3 double play off the bat of Matt Fraizer, and while it allowed a run to score, it successfully limited the damage for the Sweets. 

Walla Walla got its final two runs off of Nick Hoefling in relief, ending his league consecutive scoreless innings streak at 10 innings. 

MacIver slammed a second double for another RBI, and Coby Kauhaahaa delivered a clutch RBI single for the the 6-1 final. 

Kyle Narahara, second in the WCL North in saves, with 10, got the final three outs in a non-save situation for the Sweets.

Game three and the rubber match of the three-game set is Thursday night at 7:05 p.m., and Ross Clevenger (1-3) will pitch for the AppleSox.  

APPLESOX GO FOR SERIES WIN, WEDNESDAY

The Wenatchee AppleSox and Walla Walla Sweets meet Wednesday for a game that could win Wenatchee both the current and season series over the Sweets.

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Walla Walla Sweets
Borleske Stadium |       7:05 p.m.  
L- Grady Miller (3-3) vs. L- Easton Lucas (6-2)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-31, 8-14, 8-11 North), fifth place in the North Division are visiting the Walla Walla Sweets (26-23, 11-11, 7-12) in a near must-win game for Walla Walla’s playoff hopes...Wenatchee played Walla Walla earlier this season in a three-game set, winning two of the three games...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (48-63) (.432), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT - APPLESOX 6, WALLA WALLA 4
WALLA WALLA –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-31, 8-14 second half), fought back from a 4-1 deficit to win 6-4 Tuesday night at the Walla Walla Sweets (26-23, 11-11)...Wenatchee utilized a five-run sixth inning and also dialed up a game-winning 6-3 double play...the AppleSox scored first Tuesday, on a two-out double for Jordan Rathbone in the second inning against starter Bobby Ay (1-3)...the Sweets responded with two runs of their own in the second on a suicide squeeze, executed to perfection to score two runs...Walla Walla tried another suicide squeeze in the inning that was failed and resulted in a frame-ending double play...the Sweets added two more runs against Mac Lardner (2-2), in the third and fourth inning on Nick Nyquist’s second double of the game and a solo home run for Nick Vigo...Lardner’s offense got him the runs back in the sixth inning, bringing 11 batters to the plate, while loading the bases on two singles and a walk against Ay...Michael Toglia doubled home two runs on a single, and re-tied himself for the WCL RBI lead at 37...another single allowed by Ay reloaded the bases. and he walked home the tying run...Ay and AJ Carkner each walked and hit a batter for a 6-4 Sox lead...Lardner pitched a 1-2-3 sixth, before Adam Paulson took over in relief for the third time this summer, and retired an additional six in a row in the seventh and eighth innings...in the ninth, Walla Walla threatened against Paulson with a single, a balk, and another single, around a groundout to third base...with runners at the corners and one out, Paulson induced a game-winning 6-3 double play. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
SEASON-SERIES WIN
Wenatchee has tied in season series play (3-3) with three teams this season (Gresham, Kelowna, Bend)...with a win tonight, the AppleSox would guarantee no worse than a 4-2 season finish against Walla Walla, with an additional chance to win a season series against Bellingham this coming weekend (Sox lead series currently: 2-1). 

STREAKY
Michael Toglia has been having a successful offensive season, and hasn’t slipped under the radar with a nine-game hitting streak that ties for the teams’ longest of the season...Toglia’s streak started July 23 against the Kitsap BlueJackets...Evan Douglas also hit safely in nine-straight games, June 4-22 earlier this season. 

ODDITIES
Last night, Wenatchee won just its fifth game when being out-hit by its opponent (5-26), and only its third game when the opposition homers (3-11)...the AppleSox also won a two-run game for just the second time this season (2-9 in two-run games, 4-17 in games decided by two-or-fewer runs). 

MILLER’S FINAL START?
Tonight could be Grady Miller’s final start of 2016...emerging as the AppleSox ace this season, Miller has thrown at least seven innings in each of his last three starts, but has been charged with a loss in two of those three outings, despite only allowing an average of 1.67 earned runs-per-outing over the three-game stretch...Miller averages 6.52 innings-per-start, much higher than the second-best AppleSox pitcher, Justin Blatner at 5.83. 

COMEBACK
The AppleSox came-from-behind for a seventh time in 2016 last night.

NO ‘L’ IN LARDNER
After last night’s start, in three starting outings for the AppleSox, Mac Lardner has not recorded a loss...the AppleSox also have not lost as a team in any of his starts, with a team record of 3-0.

WENATCHEE COMES FROM BEHIND, WINS GAME ONE AT WALLA WALLA

The Wenatchee AppleSox defeated the Walla Walla Sweets in come-from-behind fashion, Tuesday, behind a five-run sixth inning.

BOX SCORE

WALLA WALLA –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-31, 8-14 second half), fought back from a 4-1 deficit to win 6-4 Tuesday night at the Walla Walla Sweets (26-23, 11-11), in an important game for the Sweets’ 2016 playoff hopes. 

Wenatchee utilized a five-run sixth inning to complete a stellar comeback, and also dialed up a game-winning 6-3 double play to put an end to the Sweets’ comeback hopes in the ninth inning.

The AppleSox scored first Tuesday, on a two-out double for Jordan Rathbone in the second inning. It was all that Sweet starter Bobby Ay (1-3) would give up until a disastrous sixth. 

The Sweets responded with two runs of their own in the second on a suicide squeeze, executed to perfection to score two runs. Walla Walla tried another suicide squeeze in the inning that was failed and resulted in a frame-ending double play. 

The Sweets added two more runs against Mac Lardner (2-2), in the third and fourth inning on Nick Nyquist’s second double of the game and a solo home run for Nick Vigo. 

Lardner’s offense got him the runs back in the sixth inning, bringing 11 batters to the plate, while loading the bases on two singles and a walk against Ay. Michael Toglia doubled home two runs on a single, and re-tied himself for the WCL RBI lead at 37. 

Another single allowed by Ay reloaded the bases, before he proceeded to walk home a run and hit a batter by a pitch to tie the game at 4-4. 

The Sweets called on their bullpen, but AJ Carkner also walked and hit a batter to force home two more earned runs against Ay, and give Wenatchee a 6-4 lead. Ay allowed a season-high six earned runs, and Wenatchee is the only team to score three or more runs off him this season. 

Lardner pitched a 1-2-3 sixth, before Adam Paulson took over in relief for the third time this summer, and retired an additional six in a row in the seventh and eighth innings. 

in the ninth, Walla Walla threatened against Paulson with a single, a balk, and another single, around a groundout to third base. With runners at the corners and one out, Paulson induced a game-winning 6-3 double play to Ryan Kreidler at shortstop. Kreidler stepped on the bag for one, and threw to first to secure the series-opening win for Wenatchee and Paulson’s second save. It was Wenatchee’s seventh come-from-behind win of the season. 

Game two is Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m., and Grady Miller (3-3) will pitch for Wenatchee. 

SOX OPEN FINAL ROAD TRIP AT WALLA WALLA

Today the AppleSox hit the road to take on the Walla Walla Sweets in the final road trip of their 2016 season. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Walla Walla Sweets
Borleske Stadium |       7:05 p.m.  
L- Mac Lardner (1-2) vs. R- Bobby Ay (1-2)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (17-31, 7-14, 7-11 North), fifth place in the North Division head to the Walla Walla Sweets (26-22, 11-10, 7-11) for the final road trip of the 2016 season...Wenatchee played Walla Walla earlier this season in a three-game set, winning two of the three games...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (47-63) (.427), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

SUNDAY NIGHT - APPLESOX 5, ALASKA 9
WENATCHEE –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (4-1, nonleague), committed five errors and faltered in the third and final game of a set with the Alaska Goldpanners, falling 9-5 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Sunday night....a wild pitch scored one run in the second inning off of Luke Mattson, and later in the frame, a second error at shortstop netted two more runs...Wenatchee answered in the second inning with two runs on Goldpanner miscues...a passed ball and an error by the catcher brought home both runs...Zach Place made it just 2 1/3 innings for the Goldpanners, and reliever Mitch Hayes gave up a double to center field for Evan Douglas in the fourth inning that tied the game...Mattson’s fifth and final inning yielded a solo home run to Justin Harrer...again, Wenatchee answered in the home half, tying the game on an error at second base, on a two-out bases loaded hit...Harrer again came up in the clutch for Alaska, hitting an RBI single to score Dustin Woody, who was aboard earlier on a single...the run came off of Nick Hoefling, who has the longest active league consecutive scoreless inning streak for Wenatchee...again, the Goldpanners hit Hoefling for three more runs in the eighth on another error at second base...Wenatchee came back with one run in the eighth inning to make the score 8-5. Michael Toglia, who doubled with one out in the frame scored on an error at second base. Like the AppleSox, Alaska committed five errors...Alaska added some extra insurance in the ninth, with one more run scoring via an error, following a leadoff triple for Kevin Connolly in the inning. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
WHATS UP AT BORLESKE?
Games played between the AppleSox and the Walla Walla Sweets have been quite exciting lately...from July 14, 2014 to July 2, 2015, seven of the nine meetings in Walla Walla were decided by one run...none of the games were decided by more than three runs...Wenatchee was 1-6 in the one-run games and three of them went to extra innings (1-2)...in 3-of-6 games last season at Borleske Stadium, Wenatchee was walked off by the Sweets. 

LARDNER FINDING RHYTHM
Mac Lardner is finding his mojo in the AppleSox starting roTation...he is averaging 1.5 runs allowed per each of his average 5 1/3 inning starts.

BATS POPPING
The Wenatchee AppleSox have hit home runs in four of their last five league games, including two over that stretch for WCL home-run leader Michael Toglia. 

THE MATH
If Bellingham or Victoria wins one game during the next week, the AppleSox will officially be mathematically eliminated from the WCL playoff picture.

TOUGH STAFF TO FACE
Wenatchee will face three starting pitchers with below-3 ERAs this week in Ay, Lucas (WCL All Star), and Murphy.

APPLESOX FALL IN MESSY GAME THREE WITH ALASKA

The AppleSox committed five errors and gifted runs in a game-three loss to Alaska. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (4-1, nonleague), committed five errors and faltered in the third and final game of a set with the Alaska Goldpanners, falling 9-5 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Sunday night. 

In the second inning, AppleSox starter Luke Mattson was in an early hole, after an error and a single put runners aboard. A wild pitch scored one run in the inning, and later in the frame, a second error at shortstop netted two more runs. 

Wenatchee answered in its half of the second inning with two runs on Goldpanner miscues. A passed ball and an error by the catcher brought home both runs. 

Zach Place made it just 2 1/3 innings for the Goldpanners, and reliever Mitch Hayes gave up a double to center field for Evan Douglas in the fourth inning that tied the score at 3-3. 

Luke Mattson’s fifth and final inning yielded a solo home run to Justin Harrer; a solo shot to left field to put Alaska up 4-3. 

Again, Wenatchee answered in the home half, tying the game on an error at second base, on a two-out bases loaded hit. 

With the night turned over to the bullpens, things stayed scoreless until the seventh inning. Harrer again came up in the clutch for Alaska, hitting an RBI single to score Dustin Woody, who was aboard earlier on a single. The run came off of Nick Hoefling, who has the longest active league consecutive scoreless inning streak for Wenatchee. 

Again, the Goldpanners hit Hoefling for three more runs in the eighth inning on another AppleSox error at second base, set up by a double to start the inning. 

Wenatchee came back with one run in the eighth inning to make the score 8-5. Michael Toglia, who doubled with one out in the frame scored on an error at second base. Like the AppleSox, Alaska committed five errors. 

Alaska added some extra insurance in the ninth, with one more run scoring via an error, following a leadoff triple for Kevin Connolly in the inning. 

The AppleSox have Monday off and are back in action Tuesday night at Walla Walla at 7:05 p.m.

SOX GO FOR PERFECT NON-LEAGUE RECORD

Luke Mattson and the AppleSox are looking to sweep the Alaska Goldpanners, Sunday.

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs. Alaska Goldpanners
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium |       6:05 p.m.  
R- Luke Mattson vs. TBA
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (17-31, 7-14, 7-11 North), fifth place in the North Division welcome the Alaska Goldpanners to Wenatchee for the first time in the two teams’ playing history...the three-game series is the AppleSox final in non-league play this season...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (47-62) (.431), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT - APPLESOX 3, ALASKA 2
WENATCHEE –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (4-0, nonleague), were guided from seven strong innings from Matt Young in a 3-2 win against the Alaska Goldpanners at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Saturday night...for Matt Young it was his fourth total win of the summer...the AppleSox scored first in the third inning, using small ball to plate a run...Evan Douglas led off the inning, hit by a pitch and a single and sacrfice set up a sacrifice fly for Taylor Borchers that brought home the game’s first run...in the fourth inning, Kevin Connolly drove home a run for the Alaska Goldpanners to tie the game 1-1...Justin Harrer scored unearned, and was aboard on an error at shortstop earlier in the inning...Young recovered with 1-2-3 innings in the fifth and sixth, while retiring seven-straight batters...meanwhile Wenatchee got him the lead he needed with an RBI single from Borchers in the fifth, and an RBI bases-loaded walk for Sheldon Liikala in the sixth...he Goldpanners’ starter, Phil Trujillo worked two scoreless innings, and reliever Alex Torson was tabbed the losing decision, giving up all of the AppleSox runs...n the seventh, Alaska made things interesting with a fielder’s choice RBI with the bases loaded for Dustin Woody...Tony Contonio pitched the eighth and the ninth innings for the AppleSox, after pitching for the AppleSox all summer in 2015...Contonio gave up one leadoff single in the eighth, but came back with a flyout and inning-ending 1-6-3 double play...in the ninth, he retired the Goldpanners in order, and got some great defensive help from Sheldon Liikala on the game’s final out, with Liikala jumping on the track.

TONIGHT'S NOTES
YOUNG’S LONGEST START
Last night, Matt Young fired seven innings for the AppleSox, allowing only two runs, one of which was earned. Before last night’s game, Young’s inning high was five frames, which he tossed four separate times during the season. Young tossed four 1-2-3 innings over his seven innings of work, and retired seven batters in a row at one point. He also threw seven strikeouts without issuing a walk. 

CONTONIO BACK
Tony Contonio returned to the AppleSox last night after pitching in relief throughout the 2015 season. After giving up a leadoff single, Contonio retired the next two batters in the eight inning with a flyout and an inning-ending double play. Contonio retired the Goldpanners 1-2-3 in the ninth inning, for the Sox fifth 1-2-3 inning of the night. For Contonio, it was his first positive decision for the AppleSox in over a year, marking his first career Wenatchee save, after going 0-5 last season. Contonio became the 36th player to suit up for the AppleSox, and 16th pitcher. 

LOW NUMBER WINS
Last night, the AppleSox scored their fewest number of runs in a non-league game since June 9, 2013 in a 10-2 loss to the Everett Merchants...the last time the AppleSox scored three-or-fewer runs and won a non-league game was June 8, 2013, also against the Everett Merchants. 

WALK IT OUT
Ryan Kreidler has walked six times in the series against the Alaska Goldpanners. 

LIIKALA LOVING IT
Sheldon Liikala is enjoying a nice series for Wenatchee. The outfielder is 7-for-8 with four walks and two RBI. 

LEFT ON
Despite leaving an additional 12 batters on base, the AppleSox were able to pull out a victory last night. 

YOUNG STRONG, APPLESOX WIN CLOSE ONE

The Wenatchee AppleSox won 3-2, Saturday, behind seven innings from Matt Young and a stellar first outing back for 2015 relief pitcher, Tony Contonio. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (4-0, nonleague), were guided from seven strong innings from Matt Young in a 3-2 win against the Alaska Goldpanners at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Saturday night. 

With his innings count taken off for the non-league contest, Young tossed his longest outing of 2016, after previously working five innings in five starts. For Young it was his fourth total win of the summer, but will not count towards his WCL total. 

The AppleSox scored first in the third inning, using small ball to plate a run. Evan Douglas led off the inning, hit by a pitch and then Sheldon Liikala delivered a bunt single to put runners at first and second. A successful sacrifice bunt by Dalton Harum set runners up at second and third with one out. 

A sacrifice fly for Taylor Borchers brought home the game’s first run. It was the first of two RBIs for Borchers on the night. 

In the fourth inning, Kevin Connolly drove home a run for the Alaska Goldpanners to tie the game 1-1. Justin Harrer scored unearned, and was aboard on an error at shortstop earlier in the inning. 

Matt Young recovered with 1-2-3 innings in the fifth and sixth, while retiring seven-straight batters. Meanwhile Wenatchee got him the lead he needed with an RBI single from Borchers in the fifth, and an RBI bases-loaded walk for Sheldon Liikala in the sixth. 

The Goldpanners’ starter, Phil Trujillo worked two scoreless innings, and reliever Alex Torson was tabbed the losing decision, giving up all of the AppleSox runs. 

In the seventh, Alaska made things interesting with a fielder’s choice RBI with the bases loaded for Dustin Woody. The AppleSox nearly turned an inning-ending 4-6-3 double play for Young, but couldn’t complete the back end. 

Tony Contonio pitched the eighth and the ninth innings for the AppleSox, after pitching for the AppleSox all summer in 2015. In his first outing for Wenatchee since Aug. 2, 2015, Contonio gave up one leadoff single in the eighth, but came back with a flyout and inning-ending 1-6-3 double play. 

In the ninth, he retired the Goldpanners in order, and got some great defensive help from Sheldon Liikala on the game’s final out, when Liikala jumped for a line drive on the warning track and made the catch before hitting the wall back first. 

Game three of the series is Sunday at 6:05 p.m. Luke Mattson will pitch for the AppleSox in the series finale.

APPLESOX, GOLDPANNERS, PLAY SATURDAY

The AppleSox are looking to improve to 4-0 in non-league play this season. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs. Alaska Goldpanners
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium |       7:05 p.m.  
L- Matt Young vs. TBA
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (17-31, 7-14, 7-11 North), fifth place in the North Division welcome the Alaska Goldpanners to Wenatchee for the first time in the two teams’ playing history...the three-game series is the AppleSox final in non-league play this season...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (46-62) (.426), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT - APPLESOX 17, ALASKA 6
WENATCHEE –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (3-0, nonleague), used a seven-run second inning, and a six-run seventh inning to run away with game one versus the Alaska Goldpanners, 17-6 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium...Otis Statum and Sheldon Liikala were unstoppable forces at the plate for the AppleSox...Statum drove in five runs in the victory, while Liikala was a singles machine, converting on five hits...after falling behind on back-to-back two-out singles in the top of the first by Alaska, the AppleSox scored two times in the bottom of the first on Liikala’s first hit of the night, good for an RBI, and two wild pitches and passed balls to net a lead...Wenatchee would never look back, slamming five runs off of Damian Powers, who lasted only 1 1/3 innings...the AppleSox had good luck against the ‘Panners second pitcher Daniel Ferrell, striking for four more runs in the second inning, while he could only scratch one out...two more runs on a two-out single for Otis Statum in the third inning but Wenatchee up 11-1...Ross Clevenger pitched five innings, allowing just three runs in the winning effort...Jimmy Dobrash covered an additional three innings in his final outing of 2016, also allowing three more runs...Statum pushed the Sox lead out for good in the seventh inning, with a bases-clearing double with the bases loaded in Wenatchee’s final scoring frame...Liikala, Evan Douglas, Michael Toglia, Matt Reitano, and Taylor Borchers all each collected two runs batted in as well, Friday...Tyler Burch threw the final inning for Wenatchee, and allowed runners at the corners but no runs

TONIGHT'S NOTES
FIVE’S THE NUMBER
Otis Statum and Sheldon Liikala each posted big fives for the AppleSox a night ago...Statum drove in five runs in the victory, the most runs driven in during his collegiate career...Sheldon Liikala pumped out five singles as part of a 15-hit offensive attack for the AppleSox...the five hits for Liikala were the most in a single game in his two-year AppleSox career.  

THE TALE OF NON-LEAGUE GAMES
The AppleSox hold a 110-40 record all-time ver non-league opponents...Wenatchee won two non-league games against the San Francisco Seals earlier this year...originally scheduled as a three-game series, the middle game was rained out due to field conditions....after the win last night, the AppleSox  are 36-15 all-time in first meetings against non-league opponents. 

STRIKEOUT SOX
Wenatchee retired 15-of-27 batters on strikeouts last night, the AppleSox best strikeout total in 2016. 

ALASKA CONNECTION
Assistant Coach Kyle Hunt, played one summer collegiately in the Alaska Baseball League for the Peninsula Oilers...last year’s AppleSox infielder, Keaton Smith, is currently a member of the Goldpanners and started at first base last night. 

APPLESOX THROTTLE GOLDPANNERS, SCORE SEVENTEEN

Otis Statum and Sheldon Liikala led a strong offensive attack for the AppleSox, who won 17-6, Friday.

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (3-0, nonleague), used a seven-run second inning, and a six-run seventh inning to run away with game one versus the Alaska Goldpanners, 17-6 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Otis Statum and Sheldon Liikala were unstoppable forces at the plate for the AppleSox. Statum drove in five runs in the victory, while Liikala was a singles machine, converting on five hits. 

 After falling behind on back-to-back two-out singles in the top of the first by Alaska, the AppleSox scored two times in the bottom of the first on Liikala’s first hit of the night, good for an RBI, and two wild pitches and passed balls to net a lead. 

Wenatchee would never look back, slamming five runs off of Damian Powers, who lasted only 1 1/3 innings. The AppleSox had good luck against the ‘Panners second pitcher Daniel Ferrell, striking for four more runs in the second inning, while he could only scratch one out. 

Two more runs on a two-out single for Otis Statum in the third inning but Wenatchee up 11-1. 

Ross Clevenger pitched five innings, allowing just three runs in the winning effort. Jimmy Dobrash covered an additional three innings in his final outing of 2016, also allowing three more runs. 

Statum pushed the Sox lead out for good in the seventh inning, with a bases-clearing double with the bases loaded in Wenatchee’s final scoring frame. 

Liikala, Evan Douglas, Michael Toglia, Matt Reitano, and Taylor Borchers all each collected two runs batted in as well, Friday. Tyler Burch threw the final inning for Wenatchee, and allowed runners at the corners but no runs. 

With the win, Wenatchee improved to 3-0 in non-league play this season. 

The AppleSox play the second game of the set against Alaska, Saturday, at 7:05 p.m. Matt Young will be on the mound for the AppleSox. 

APPLESOX OPEN NON-LEAGUE SET WITH ALASKA

The AppleSox welcome the Alaska Goldpanners for the first time in team history, Friday night.

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs. Alaska Goldpanners
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium |       7:05 p.m.  
R- Ross Clevenger (1-3) vs. TBA
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (17-31, 7-14, 7-11 North), fifth place in the North Division welcome the Alaska Goldpanners to Wenatchee for the first time in the two teams’ playing history...the three-game series is the AppleSox final in non-league play this season...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (45-62) (.421), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT - APPLESOX 1, KELOWNA 3
KELOWNA –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (17-31, 7-14 Second Half), fell 3-1 in a well-pitched game against the Kelowna Falcons (23-22, 10-8), at Elks Stadium, Thursday...Mike Ciancio was seemingly the only Falcon that could get to Grady Miller (3-3) during Thursday night’s game...Ciancio drove in both runs off of Miller...the Kelowna scoring started in the second inning, with back-to-back singles for Kevin Morgan and Ciancio...both were lined through the center of the diamond, just past Miller on the mound...Ciancio also drove in Jesse Moore in the fourth, on a one-out RBI single...Miller was untouched the rest of the way through his six-inning start, scattering seven hits, while walking two and striking out three...Max Carter (3-0) was on point from the start for Kelowna...he tossed seven and a third one-run innings in his third start of the summer...the night started with back-to-back 1-2-3 innings for Carter, and Wenatchee didn’t mount a serious threat against him until his eighth and final inning...with one out, Carter allowed back-to-back singles to Ryan Kreidler and Evan Douglas...an error at third base on a ball hit down the line, originally ruled a hit during the game, resulted in the AppleSox scoring their only run of the game...Eli THornquist threw two innings of scoreless relief for the AppleSox, but Wenatchee couldn’t dig into a 3-1 deficit, after Kelowna tacked on a run in its half of the seventh on a Bowen Ogata groundout...Jared Morton picked up his 8th save, retiring the AppleSox in order in the ninth inning...he struck out the game’s final batter looking, and moved into second in the league in saves.

TONIGHT'S NOTES
YOUR PLAYER OF THE WEEK?
Michael Toglia has had an insane week for the Wenatchee AppleSox, clubbing another two hits in the team’s 3-1 loss, last night...on the week, Toglia is batting .481 with 27 at bats...5 runs...13 hits...3 doubles...1 3B...2 HR...10 RBI and 24 total bases...he has a .563 on-base percentage. 

ROAD TRIP INSIDE THE PARK HOMERS
The AppleSox had no inside-the-park home runs in the first sixteen years of franchise action, and then hit two in a three-day period while on the road in Bellingham and Kelowna...first Evan Douglas did it in Bellingham Sunday and then Michael Toglia in Kelowna on Tuesday...the only inside-the-park home run in the AppleSox history at Paul Thomas Sr. Baseball Stadium was hit by a visiting player, Nick Rulli, July 21, 2010...Rulli was here as a member of the Portland Toros for a couple of nonleague games July 20 and 21...his talent caught the eye of Wenatchee coach Ed Knaggs and on the 22nd he was in an AppleSox uniform playing for the Sox in Bellingham.

FORMER SOX WHO PLAYED FOR THE GOLDPANNERS
Several AppleSox alums have spent time on the Land of the Midnight Sun team (player, Alaska years (Sox years)...Derek Bruce 2003 (‘02)...D.J. Crumlich 2010 (‘09)...Garrett Dorn 2009 (‘07-08)...Brandon Harmon 2007-09 [pitcher and then coach] (‘04-05)...Eric Hutting 2014 (‘13)...and Eric Lane 2009 (‘10)...and of course there was Rob Hippi who was the pitching coach for the Goldpanners in 2002-03 and for the Sox from 2006-12...in total seven players/coaches have shared time between the AppleSox and the Goldpanners. 

WELCOME BACK
Tony Contonio joins the AppleSox as a pitcher this weekend...Contonio played for the AppleSox in 2015, posting a 9.44 ERA, in 12 relief appearances with 20 innings pitched...he struck out 21 batters and walked 19, but struggled with command to an eventual 0-5 record. 

THE TALE OF NON-LEAGUE GAMES
The AppleSox hold a 109-40 record all-time ver non-league opponents...Wenatchee won two non-league games against the San Francisco Seals earlier this year...originally scheduled as a three-game series, the middle game was rained out due to field conditions.