'Sox drop game two to the Falcons 5-3

After leaving 10 runners on base, grounding into two double plays, and only scoring two runs, the AppleSox lost game two against the Kelowna Falcons 5-3. The ‘Sox had the potential to win the series in the matchup and now have to clutch up in game three to get it done.

Kelowna struck first in the game, tagging two in the third off an RBI single from Josh Cunnigan. The ‘Sox managed to claw both back with one in the fourth and one in the fifth. Newcomer Ryder Young got a sac fly to score the first run, and then Zach Doyle singled into right-center to score the second.

The AppleSox pitching staff looked solid on paper, striking out 11 batters and allowing just seven hits, but four walks and timely miscues allowed five runs to score for Kelowna. Carson Boesel got the start and went six innings, striking out six batters, allowing three hits, and only two runs. After him, Jonathan Christner got the first call out of the pen and spun a single scoreless inning.

Then, the ‘Sox called in Easton Brooks to carry them the rest of the way. While Brooks’ outing started well, his three walks and four hits allowed three runs to score and the Falcons to take the lead.

Down by three and down to their last inning, the ‘Sox made it interesting. A pair of back-to-back hits got two runners on, but it was not enough to spark a comeback.

With the 5-3 loss the ‘Sox are still in first place in the division, but the Falcons continue to nip at their heels. Both squads will be eyeing a series win in game three, and neither will be willing to concede.

The final game of the series will be at 5:35 p.m tomorrow afternoon at Paul Thomas Senior Stadium.