COWLITZ SWEEPS WENATCHEE, APPLESOX STAY IN SECOND PLACE IN NORTH SECOND HALF

WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-15, 3-3 second half) were swept by the Cowlitz Black Bears (16-17, 5-1 second half), after Cowlitz erased a 2-0 deficit in the ninth inning, and the AppleSox forced extra innings, in a 4-3, 10-inning loss at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Thursday night.

Connor McCord delivered a strong seven-inning quality start, and shut out the Black Bears, while his defense picked up a season-high four double plays behind him, including inning-ending double plays in each of the top of the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings.

McCord only gave up one hit in the first four innings, a leadoff single for Andy Armstrong, back in the first inning. He struck out three Cowlitz batters.

Wenatchee struck first in the third inning on Austin Merrill, with an RBI single for Jake Taylor with the bases loaded.

In the fourth, Wenatchee added a second run, on a 2-out solo home run for Jordan Prendiz. It was Prendiz’s first home run of the season.

That score held until the ninth inning. Connor Leedholm pitched the eighth, and got a double play on a popped up bunt that he threw back to second base to double up the only Black Bear base runner.

In the ninth, with a chance for a save, three runs scored after the AppleSox lost a ball in the sky, and Kona Quiggle delivered an RBI single followed by a 2-RBI triple by Mark Pearson.

The AppleSox tied the game in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings. Prendiz singled with one out to complete a 3-for-3 night. A Dugan Shirer double set up an RBI sac fly for Michael Spellacy to even the score at three and force extras.

Hugh Smith pitched the 10th inning, but gave up a run after a walk and an error at first base that allowed corner runners with only one out. Armstrong delivered a go-ahead groundout back to the pitcher for a 4-3 lead.

Kragon Kechely got the win for Cowlitz, while Jimmy Fouse pitched the bottom of the 10th to earn the save. He retired the AppleSox in order, including two strikeouts.

The AppleSox take to the road to face the Kelowna Falcons, Friday night. Wenatchee is still one game out of first place in the WCL North Second Half, behind Victoria. First pitch in Kelowna, Friday, is at 6:35 p.m. at Elks Stadium.