APPLESOX 2018 SEASON BEGINS TONIGHT

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APPLESOX (0-0)

v.s.

Victoria HarbourCats (0-0)

June 1-3

The AppleSox begin their 2018 season with a trip north of the border to take on the Victoria HarbourCats from June 1-3 at Royal Athletic Park.

Since the series started in 2013, the AppleSox and HarbourCats' series is tied 15-15. The HarbourCats have won seven of the 12 meetings in Victoria.

In their 18 previous seasons, the AppleSox have relished season-opening games. They've gone 12-6 in season-openers with seven of those wins against league opponents. When opening on the road to begin a season, the AppleSox are 4-1 and tonight will be the first time that they have begun a season in Canada.

Probable pitchers (all stats from this past collegiate season)

Tonight

AppleSox: Grady Miller (6-3, 4.65 ERA with Central Arizona)

HarbourCats: Ethan Fox (DNP in 2018 for Avila)

Saturday

AppleSox: Curtis Bafus (2-1, 3.81 ERA with VCU)

HarbourCats: Garrett Goodall (3-4, 5.79 ERA with Embry-Riddle)

Sunday

AppleSox: Hunter Boyd (2-7, 3.69 ERA with Idaho)

HarbourCats: Connor Nantkes (0-0, 6.00 ERA with Washington State)

Last year vs the Harbourcats

Last season, the AppleSox took four of the six meetings with the HarbourCats, including two of three in Victoria. The two teams played all six of their games from June 5-10, 2017, with the AppleSox take two of three in Wenatchee, then winning the first two in Victoria to claim the season series.

Roster breakdown

Of the eight returnees, the AppleSox are bringing back some important contributors from last years’ team. The AppleSox get back last summers’ best hitter (Jacob Prater, .356 batting average) and third-most used pitcher (McKabe Cottrell, 49.1 innings pitched) among a talented returning squad.

Now, they’ll look to add to that group with more talent. The AppleSox will have 18 players from Washington, including two from Wenatchee. Twenty players come from outside of Washington and come from as far away as Hawaii and as nearby as Oregon.

What’s next

Following the series with Victoria, the AppleSox return to Wenatchee and begin the home portion of their schedule on Tuesday, June 5 when they play the River City Athletics in the first of three consecutive games against three different non-league opponents. Tickets can be purchased on applesox.com.

Prior to the home opener, the AppleSox will hold their Fan Fest on Monday, June 4. Attendees will have the chance to watch the AppleSox practice, purchase tickets and get food and drinks at Paul Thomas Sr. Field. The Coyote will also be present as the team prepares for its 19th season. Admission is free to all fans.