APPLESOX PLAY ANOTHER ONE-RUN GAME, FALL 5-4

The AppleSox were led offensively by Keston Hiura, Thursday.

The AppleSox were led offensively by Keston Hiura, Thursday.

LONGVIEW, Wash. – The Wenatchee AppleSox (14-18, 11-17) received four RBI from Keston Hiura, but fell 5-4 to the Cowlitz Black Bears (15-18, 12-16), Thursday night at Story Field.

Wenatchee started the final leg of 12-consecutive games with a solo home run from Keston Hiura in the top of the first off of left-hander Josh Johnson (2-2). Hiura sent the ball over the right field fence, and the blast was his third of the summer.

Cowlitz got after AppleSox starter Hunter Wells, scoring four runs in the second inning. Four separate Black Bear batters combined for runs in the inning and a fifth hitter added a run in the third to make the score 5-1, Cowlitz, after three innings of play.

Wells settled down in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings, holding Cowlitz scoreless over that stretch. The AppleSox did have some defensive struggles, recording three errors. Cowlitz had the same trouble with four errors of their own.

Hiura put the AppleSox back in the game in the seventh inning by driving in three runs on a bases loaded double to right center field. Hiura had a 4 RBI night, and is the second AppleSox player to record 4 RBI in a game this season.

Lars Rider earned a save with two strikeouts in the ninth inning for Cowlitz. He now leads the WCL with seven saves.

The AppleSox continue the series Friday night at 6:35 p.m. Zach Haggett will get the start for Wenatchee.

WP: Josh Johnson (2-2)
LP: Hunter Wells (4-1)
S: Lars Rider (7)