APPLESOX WELCOME LEAGUE LEADERS, BEND

The Bend Elks come to Wenatchee sporting the WCL's best record at 22-5.

GAME NOTES 7/6
BASEBALL BLURBS 7/6

APPLESOX WELCOME LEAGUE LEADERS
The Wenatchee AppleSox (14-14, 11-13), fourth place in the WCL East, face the hottest team in the WCL, the Bend Elks (22-5, 22-5), after sweeping the Klamath Falls Gems in back-to-back 4-0 shutout wins...last night marked the AppleSox fourth shutout of the season...the AppleSox are playing their 16th franchise season (11th in the WCL) and are led by first-year skipper, AJ Proszek (14-14) (.500), who is in his 3rd season with the Sox, after managing the pitching staff in 2013 and 2014...Proszek is assisted by Miles Kizer and Cory LeBrun, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT
For the second-consecutive night, the AppleSox threw a shutout for a 4-0 win at Paul Thomas Sr. Field...it was the AppleSox second-straight 4-0 win and the third time the Klamath Falls Gems had been shutout in 2015 (2-of-3 by AppleSox)...both games also finshed in a rapid 2 hours and 4 minutes...Wenatchee opened scoring in the first inning for the second-consecutive night , with Keston Hiura driving in Joey Jansen...the duo repeated the scoring trend for a 2-0 lead in the fifth...the Sox doubled their lead in the sixth on a Nick Nyquist RBI triple, and a Scott Hilpert RBI groundout...it was Nyquist’s second triple this season (first in league play)...it was the Sox fourth triple in league play this season...Zach Haggett threw seven innings  of three-hit baseball to earn his third win of the season (second for the AppleSox behind Hunter Wells’ 4)...Brian Gadsby got the final two innings in relief, holding the Gems.

WELLS NAMED CO-WCL PLAYER OF WEEK
Hunter Wells is rolling for the AppleSox...his 1.11 ERA is third-lowest in the WCL, his 33 strikeouts rank second amongst qualifying pitchers, and his four wins have him tied for first with Patrick McGuff, of the visiting Elks, for the league lead...Wells threw eight innings in a shuttout win over Klamath Falls, July 4, and only gave up four hits, while striking out six and walking two...he shared honors with West Tunnell, who was 12-for-26 last week for Bend, with 3 home runs, 8 runs scored, 8 RBI, and a .500 on-base percentage...Elks players have received at least a share of the honor in four of the last five weeks (Tunnell, Patrick Flynn, Cadyn Grenier, Tyler Davis).

PITCHING HEATING UP
The AppleSox pitching staff is throwing to the tune of a 1.65 ERA through five games this month...team had a 4.26 ERA in the month of June...AppleSox pitchers haven’t allowed a run in the last 20 innings...last night marked the fifth time in team history that a pitching staff has executed back-to-back shutouts (record: three-consecutive [June 2007, all against Kelowna - 2-0, 6-0, 5-0]).

BEST SHORT STRETCH OF SEASON
The AppleSox are 4-1 in their last five...their best five game stretch of league games this season...Keston Hiura is the team’s leading hitter over the last five, with a .368 average (7x19)...he is tied for most runs scored at five, and leads in RBI with six...Joey Jansen is second-leading hitter over last five, with a .353 mark (7x21, 4RBI)...as a team, the AppleSox have not had a losing game decided by less than a run since June 25 (three-consecutive losses)...the team’s current three-game winning streak matches the season high, set after a three game sweep of Medford, June 15-17.

BEND’S BATS; LEADERS IN CATEGORIES:
Average (.336), OPS (.898), SLG (.484), OBP (.414), total bases (510), RBI (204), home runs (25), tied-triples (7), doubles (67), hits (354), runs (240), at bats (1,054).

APPLESOX ALL-TIME
Through the first fifteen franchise seasons and 838 games, the AppleSox own a 527-311 (.628) record...the AppleSox are 387-211 (.647) since the inception of the WCL in 2005...Wenatchee is 336-193 (.634) all-time in WCL league games (including playoffs), and 55-15 (.786) all-time in non-league contests since 2005...all-time, the AppleSox are 418-268 (.609) against league opponents (including playoffs) and 107-40 (.728) vs. non-league teams...Wenatchee owns a 318-160 (.665) all-time home record, and is 219-170 (.565) on the road...Wenatchee is 34-28 all-time in extra-inning games.

APPLESOX SWEEP INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND SERIES

The AppleSox swept the Klamath Falls Gems at Paul Thomas Sr. Field, Sunday.

WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Wenatchee AppleSox (14-14, 11-13) swept the Klamath Falls Gems (5-18, 5-18) with a second-consecutive 4-0 win, Sunday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Field.

The AppleSox opened up scoring in the first inning on a Keston Hiura RBI single. It was the first of two RBI on the night for Hiura, who went 3-for-4 on three singles.

In the fifth, the AppleSox doubled their lead to four, when Nick Nyquist hit an RBI triple into the left center field gap. Evan Douglas scored on the play, and Scott Hilpert drove in Nyquist on a groundout to shortstop.

Zach Haggett (3-1) threw seven innings for the AppleSox, giving up only three hits, while striking out three and walking three. Brian Gadsby worked two innings in relief, holding the Gems scoreless. Wenatchee’s pitching staff hasn’t allowed a run in the last 20 innings.

The homestand continues Monday, when the Bend Elks – and the WCL’s best record – rolls into town for a three-game set. Chris Carns toes the rubber for Wenatchee.

WP: Zach Haggett (3-1)
LP: Mickey Walker (1-3)

APPLESOX GO FOR SWEEP, SUNDAY

The AppleSox will go for a sweep Sunday against the Klamath Falls Gems.

GAME NOTES 7/5
BASEBALL BLURBS 7/5

APPLESOX LOOKING FOR SWEEP
The Wenatchee AppleSox (13-14, 10-13), fourth place in the WCL East, continue their six-game homestand against the Klamath Falls Gems (5-18, 5-18), after securing a series win with a 4-0 win last night...it was the AppleSox third shutout of the season...the AppleSox are playing their 16th franchise season (11th in the WCL) and are led by first-year skipper, AJ Proszek (13-14) (.481), who is in his 3rd season with the Sox, after managing the pitching staff in 2013 and 2014...Proszek is assisted by Miles Kizer and Cory LeBrun, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT
Hunter Wells paced the AppleSox with eight shutout innings, on the Fourth of July...with the eight innings, and four runs of support, Wells earned his fourth win of the year - tied for the WCL lead with Patrick McGuff of Bend...his ERA is now down to 1.11, and Sunday’s game was his second eight-inning appearance for the AppleSox (no decision June 10 at Walla Walla)...the AppleSox scoring came from four separate hitters, in four separate innings...Holland, Hiura, Jansen, and Douglas all had RBI in the game...Holland, Douglas, and Hiura are the top three RBI men for the AppleSox (in that order)...Jansen is tied for fourth...Sean Sparling worked the final inning out of the ‘pen and Danny Amaral made arguably the best catch of the WCL season to rob Ty Wyatt of extra-bases in the ninth.

HOME/AWAY HITTING
The AppleSox have six active players hitting .300 or better at home this season (Vanderkin, Liikala, Holland, Nyquist, Janseen (Amaral), as opposed to just two over .300 on the road (Liikala, Holland).

GEMS STRUGGLING
The Klamath Falls Gems enter play, Friday, with the worst record in the WCL...hoever, two of the Gems’ five wins on the season came against the league’s juggernaut, Bend...the Gems are hitting  a league-low .218 and alowing a league-high 5.99 ERA.

APPLESOX ALL-TIME
Through the first fifteen franchise seasons and 837 games, the AppleSox own a 526-311 (.628) record...the AppleSox are 386-211 (.647) since the inception of the WCL in 2005...Wenatchee is 335-193 (.634) all-time in WCL league games (including playoffs), and 55-15 (.786) all-time in non-league contests since 2005...all-time, the AppleSox are 417-268 (.609) against league opponents (including playoffs) and 107-40 (.728) vs. non-league teams...Wenatchee owns a 317-160 (.665) all-time home record, and is 219-170 (.565) on the road...Wenatchee is 34-28 all-time in extra-inning games.

APPLESOX TAKE SERIES ON FOURTH OF JULY

Hunter Wells tied for the WCL lead with his fourth win of the 2015 season, Saturday.

WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Wenatchee AppleSox (13-14, 10-13) blanked the Klamath Falls Gems (5-18, 5-18) in a 4-0 Fourth of July win, Saturday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Field.

AppleSox starter, Hunter Wells (4-0), was masterful once again, tossing wight shutout innings. He struck out six Gem batters, to bring his season total to 33 – one behind Yakima Valley pitcher Darrion Simons for the West Coast League lead.

Wells is just the second pitcher to reach four wins in the WCL, along with Patrick McGuff of Bend.

The AppleSox spread their scoring across four separate innings, and had four different hitters collect RBI.

Scoring started in the first inning when Mitchell Holland drove in UC Irvine teammate Keston Hiura for the game’s first run.

In the third inning, Hiura returned the favor, driving in Joey Jansen for a 2-0 lead. Jansen turned around in the fourth and plated Kyle Vanderking on another RBI single, and Evan Douglas did the same in the eighth, to give Wenatchee a 4-0 advantage, scoring Hiura for the second time in the game.

Michael McCall (1-2), the Gems’ starter, settled in nicely during the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, retiring the side in order in each of the frames. He left the game in the eighth having retired ten-consecutive batters.

Still, Wells and the AppleSox were too tough. Sean Sparling entered in relief in the ninth inning for Wells, who was sitting on 107 pitches. In the ninth, Danny Amaral stayed with a long fly ball to center field off the bat of Ty Wyatt and made the catch of the season, diving – full extension – to make an acrobatic catch on the fringe of the warning track.

Amaral almost turned two to end the game on the play. His throw – relayed through Kyle Vanderkin – was just late to catch a runner back at first base, who believed the line drive had no chance of being caught.

The AppleSox go for the sweep Sunday at 6:05 p.m. It’s Spaghetti Sunday, and fans can get a plate of spaghetti and a slice of garlic bread for $7.50 from the time gates open at 5 p.m., up until first pitch. Zach Haggett will be on the mound for Wenatchee.  

WP: Hunter Wells (4-0)
LP: Michael McCall (1-2)

APPLESOX AND GEMS CONTINUE WEEKEND SET

July Fourth baseball features the AppleSox and Gems, Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. at Paul Thomas Sr. Field.

GAME NOTES 7/4
BASEBALL BLURBS 7/4

APPLESOX CONTINUE SIX GAME STAND
The Wenatchee AppleSox (12-14, 9-13), fourth place in the WCL East, continue their six-game homestand against the Klamath Falls Gems (5-17, 5-17), after lighting up the scoreboard in the sixth inning last night for an 8-2 win...the AppleSox are playing their 16th franchise season (11th in the WCL) and are led by first-year skipper, AJ Proszek (12-14) (.462), who is in his 3rd season with the Sox, after managing the pitching staff in 2013 and 2014...Proszek is assisted by Miles Kizer and Cory LeBrun, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT
The AppleSox fell behind for a short time in the fourth inning last night to the Gems...the AppleSox 1-0 disadvantage was short-lived, as Mitchell Holland knotted the game on an RBI double down the left field line...it was the first of two RBI for Holland, who is now tied for the team-lead with Evan Doglas (12)...Douglas had his own RBI in the seventh inning on a solo home run, after a six-run sixth that included RBI from Hiura (triple), Holland, Crowe (singles), Hirabayashi (HBP), Jansen (walk)...Gage Burland got his first win of the year and Blankenship picked up save number one after converting to the bullpen.

HOME/AWAY HITTING
The AppleSox have six active players hitting .300 or better at home this season (Vanderkin, Liikala, Holland, Nyquist, Janseen (Amaral), as opposed to just two over .300 on the road (Liikala, Holland).

GEMS STRUGGLING
The Klamath Falls Gems enter play, Friday, with the worst record in the WCL...hoever, two of the Gems’ five wins on the season came against the league’s juggernaut, Bend...the Gems are hitting  a league-low .220 and alowing a league-high 6.12 ERA.

APPLESOX ALL-TIME
Through the first fifteen franchise seasons and 836 games, the AppleSox own a 525-311 (.629) record...the AppleSox are 385-211 (.647) since the inception of the WCL in 2005...Wenatchee is 334-193 (.634) all-time in WCL league games (including playoffs), and 55-15 (.786) all-time in non-league contests since 2005...all-time, the AppleSox are 416-268 (.609) against league opponents (including playoffs) and 107-40 (.728) vs. non-league teams...Wenatchee owns a 316-160 (.667) all-time home record, and is 219-170 (.565) on the road...Wenatchee is 34-28 all-time in extra-inning games.

APPLESOX GET FIREWORKS NIGHT WIN

The AppleSox used stellar pitching and an offensive explosion to earn a Fireworks Night win, Friday,

WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Wenatchee AppleSox (12-14, 9-13) used a big sixth inning to hand the Klamath Falls Gems (5-16, 5-16) a game one loss, 8-2 on Fireworks Night, Friday at Paul Thomas Sr. Field.

The AppleSox received six strong innings from Gage Burland (1-0), who was the only AppleSox pitcher yet to record a decision entering Friday’s game.

Burland struck out a new AppleSox league-high 11 batters, and got eight of the 11 swinging.

Klamath Falls scored first in the fourth inning, with back-to back hits. A double from Gunner Pollman and a single from Jordan Abernathy gave the Gems a short-lived 1-0 lead.

The AppleSox answered in the bottom of the inning with a Mitchell Holland RBI double, after Keston Hiura walked to open the inning. The game was tied through five innings of play.

Garrett Alvarez (0-2), ran into trouble in the sixth inning. 12 AppleSox batters came to the plate in the inning and the AppleSox received RBI from Hiura (triple), Holland, Ryan Crowe, Jake Hirabayashi, and Joey Jansen. With a wild pitch, the AppleSox brought home six runs in the inning to claim a 7-1 lead.

Evan Douglas added a solo home run in the seventh inning for good measure, off of reliever Jordan Horak. It was Douglas’ sixth home run of the year, tying him for the WCL lead with Dan Mayer of Medford.

Kyle Blankenship pitched the final three innings and struck out three, earning the save by way of length of appearance.

The AppleSox face Klamath Falls in game two at 7:05 p.m. Saturday night. Hunter Wells, the team’s leading pitcher will take the mound.

WP: Gage Burland (1-0)
LP: Tony Contonio (0-2)
S: Blankenship (1)

FIREWORKS NIGHT, FRIDAY JULY 3, SPONSORED BY EDWARD JONES

Big weekend and Monday-Wednesday coming up at Paul Thomas Sr. Field! It all starts with Fireworks Night, tonight, brought to you by Edward Jones.

GAME NOTES 7/3
BASEBALL BLURBS 7/3

The AppleSox welcome the Klamath Falls Gems to Wenatchee for a three-game series Friday July 3, through Sunday July 5, and the excitement kicks off with Fireworks Night, Friday July 3 at 7:05 p.m., presented by Edward Jones.

Fireworks Night is professionally run by Entertainment Fireworks, the same company that puts on the City of Wenatchee's Fourth of July show each year.

Fire Marshals help monitor the event, providing a safe atmosphere for fans and community members to view fireworks, while they are currently banned in the city.

Tickets start at $6, and there are still seats available for this weekend's games! Ticket information can be found online at www.applesox.com/tickets

The AppleSox are opening up a six game homestand that includes a three game series with the West Coast League-leading Bend Elks, Monday through Wednesday, July 6-8. Youth Camps also return on July 6-8, with an all-skills camp being hosted by AppleSox coaches and players. For information and to register, visit www.applesoxcamps.com. Sunday is another Spaghetti Sunday, with the AppleSox closing the series with the Gems. $7.50 gets you a delicious plate of spaghetti and a slice of garlic bread! Available from the time gates open at 5 p.m., up until first pitch at 6:05!

Remember to beat the heat and come hang out in the shady seating sections at Paul Thomas Sr. Field! Park information and rules for the weekend (and every AppleSox game) are available here: applesox.com - stadium tab on the top menu bar.

APPLESOX PLAY FIFTH CONSECUTIVE ONE-RUN GAME, FALL 3-2

The AppleSox lost another close one, Thursday, by a score of 3-2  at Borleske Stadium. Micael Taylor was strong in his start, but ended up with a no decision.

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The Wenatchee AppleSox (11-14, 8-13) lost a late lead agaist the Walla Walla Sweets (12-12, 12-12) and the Sweets walked off 3-2 in nine innings, for a second-straight night at Borleske Stadium.

The AppleSox have now played five-consecutive one-run games, and have a 2-3 record in those games. It was the third time the AppleSox lost in walk off fashion to the Sweets at Borleske Stadium this year.

Wenatchee opened the scoring, Thursday, in Micael Taylor’s first start of 2015.  The AppleSox scored in the third inning on a throwing error by the Sweets catcher, after Danny Amaral stole third base. Keston Hiura also walked in the inning and moved to second base on the throwing error. Mitchell Holland drove in Hiura with the AppleSox lone RBI of the night.

Taylor was marvelous for Wenatchee, tossing seven strong innings of one-run baseball on seven hits. The lone run he surrendered was in the fifth inning on an RBI single for Connor Kopach. Taylor recorded three innings of 10 or fewer pitches, and had thrown 84 through seven innings, while holding the Sweets to 1-for-10 hitting with runners in scoring position.

Tony Contonio entered for the AppleSox to pitch in the eighth inning and recorded a rare four strikeout frame, after the third strike on his third strikeout was dropped, and the runner reached first to extend the inning.

In the ninth, Walla Walla broke through, as they have many times this season. A leadoff double for Jon Hechtner, down the left field line put the pressure on Wenatchee. Hiura made a great throw from left field that almost beat Hechtner to the second base bag.

Following Hechtner’s double, Willie MacIver laid down a bunt on the first base side, and instead of taking the out at first, Holland attempted to throw to third, but Hechtner slid under the tag, safe.

With runners at the corners, Parker Coss singled for his first hit of the night, and tied the game at two. Contonio struck out the next Sweets hitter, before intentionally walking the bases loaded. Kyle Nixon then hit a sacrifice fly deep enough into right field to score the winning run for Walla Walla.

The AppleSox have now seen five games this season end in either their, or the opponent’s, final at bat.

Wenatchee returns home Friday for a six-game homestand which includes Fireworks Night, by Edward Jones, Friday July 3. Tickets start at $6 and can be purchased at www.applesox.com/tickets. First pitch, Friday, is at 7:05 p.m. against the Klamath Falls Gems. The Bend Elks will also visit next Monday-Wednesday for a three-game set, coupled with another round of AppleSox Youth Camps. To sign up for next week’s all-skills camp, parents can visit www.applesoxcamps.com.

WP: Max Gamboa (1-1)
LP: Tony Contonio (1-1)

AppleSox and Sweets Take Series to Rubber Match Game Three

The AppleSox and Sweets face off in a rubber match game Thursday June 2, at 7:05 p.m.

GAME NOTES 7/2
BASEBALL BLURBS 7/2

APPLESOX CONTINUE ROAD TRIP IN SWEETS COUNTRY
The Wenatchee AppleSox (11-13, 8-12), fourth place in the WCL East, continue their longest road trip of the season, at the Walla Walla Sweets (11-12, 11-12), after the Sweets took game two a night ago by a score of 5-4...all of the first six games of the season series are to be played at Borleske Stadium...the AppleSox are playing their 16th franchise season (11th in the WCL) and are led by first-year skipper, AJ Proszek (11-13) (.458), who is in his 3rd season with the Sox, after managing the pitching staff in 2013 and 2014...Proszek is assisted by Miles Kizer and Cory LeBrun, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT
The AppleSox got another multi-hit game from Nick Nyquist...his seventh of the season, in a 5-4 AppleSox loss in nine innings at Borleske Stadium last night...the Sweets scored the winning run on a bases loaded wild pitch, in a game that ended following three lead changes...Brian Gadsby saw his 13.2 consecutive scoreless innings streak come to an end, with the ninth inning run...Joey Jansen led the AppleSox with three hits and had two runs driven in...Keston Hiura knocked in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning on a 2-RBI double into the right field corner.

JUNE TOTALS
The AppleSox finished the month of June with a team hitting total of .238 (156x655, 21 2B, 2 3B, 8 HR, 85 RBI, 87 BB, 170 K, 19 SB)...the pitching staff was 8-11 with 3 saves (4.26, 173 1/3 IP, 96 R, 82 ER, 97 BB, 140 K, 3HR, 27 2B, 4 3B, 782 BF)...the AppleSox leading reliever was Brian Gadsby (0.00, 1-0, 6 G, 12.2 IP (all scoreless), 5 H, 6 BB, 8 K)...leading starter was Hunter Wells (1.48, 3-0, 24.1 IP, 14 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 9BB, league-leading 27 K’s)...leading hitter was Mitchell Holland with a .368 average...Evan Douglas led the AppleSox with 5 HR, 11 RBI, and 7 extra-base hits (next closest: Hiura [6], Holland [5])...Kyle Vanderkin led the team in walks (14)...Ryan Crowe in sacrifice plays with 4 (2 flies, 2 hits).

CLOSE GAMES
The AppleSox and Sweets have had six of their last seven games decided by one run...the AppleSox are 1-5 in those six games...the AppleSox have played 10 one-run games this season, and two 2-run games, with five of their games this season being decided in the game’s final at bat...Wenatchee is 1-4 in games decided in the final at bat.

IN THE FIRST MEETING...
Each the AppleSox and the Sweets threw shutouts in the first two meetings (of three) at Borleske Stadium, earlier this year...the AppleSox have now been involved in three shutouts this season (2-1), with their only shutout loss coming at the hand of the Sweets...Walla Walla is 1-2 in shutout games this year, with their other loss coming in 1-0 fashion to the Bellingham Bells, June 18...there are only five AppleSox players from the first road series at Walla Walla that had hits and are still active...the AppleSox hit 1.86 in the first series and Walla Walla hit .169... the two teams combined to walk 31 batters, just over 10 per game...Walla Walla only had one extra-base hit, a double...setting the mark for worst combined hitting series this year for the AppleSox and any opponent.

APPLESOX ALL-TIME
Through the first fifteen franchise seasons and 834 games, the AppleSox own a 524-310 (.629) record...the AppleSox are 384-210 (.647) since the inception of the WCL in 2005...Wenatchee is 333-192 (.634) all-time in WCL league games (including playoffs), and 55-15 (.786) all-time in non-league contests since 2005...all-time, the AppleSox are 415-267 (.609) against league opponents (including playoffs) and 107-40 (.728) vs. non-league teams...Wenatchee owns a 315-160 (.667) all-time home record, and is 219-169 (.565) on the road...Wenatchee is 34-28 all-time in extra-inning games.

SWEETS EVEN SERIES WITH WALKOFF

The AppleSox took a 4-3 lead in the top of the seventh, but Walla Walla rallied late for the win.

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The Wenatchee AppleSox (11-13, 8-12) saw a late-inning lead slip away Wednesday, as the Walla Walla Sweets (11-12, 11-12) walked off 5-4 in nine innings at Borleske Stadium.

A bases load wild pitch led to the Sweets scoring the game-winning run. Jon Hechtner came to score on the play.

The AppleSox scored first in the third inning, on a Joey Jansen RBI single. It was his first of two RBI on the night. His hit scored Danny Amaral who walked and stole second to get into scoring position.

The lead held for the AppleSox, after Chris Carns, the Sox starter threw four one-hit shutout innings for Wenatchee. Walla Walla finally broke into the run column in the fifth inning, with three runs scoring on four hits. Colton Loomis entered in relief to get the final out, and pitched the next three innings.

Wenatchee regained a lead in the seventh inning, as Jansen added his second RBI as part of a three hit night. The RBI single with one out brought the game to a 3-2 score. Then, Keston Hiura hit a 2-RBI double down into the right field corner to give the AppleSox a 4-3 lead into the bottom half of the inning. Wenatchee was potentially limited one run on a pick off call at first base that resulted in an out.

Walla Walla evened the contest in the bottom of the seventh on a groundout on the infield for Connor Kopach, after a runner went first to third on a throwing error on a pickoff attempt at first base.

The Sweets faced Brian Gadsby in the bottom of the ninth inning, and his 13 2/3 scoreless innings streak came to an end, when the Sweets got runners at the corners with no outs and the AppleSox were forced to intentionally walk the bases loaded. A wild pitch on a 1-2 count to Kopach allowed the winning run around to score.

The rubber match of the series is Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. at Borleske Stadium. Micael Taylor (1-2) will get the start for Wenatchee – his first start of the summer.

WP: Clayten Ayers (1-0)
LP: Brian Gadsby (1-1)

APPLESOX AND SWEETS MEET IN GAME TWO

The AppleSox and Walla Walla Sweets meet at Borleske Stadium at 7:05 p.m., Wednesday night.

GAME NOTES 7/1
BASEBALL BLURBS 7/1

APPLESOX CONTINUE ROAD TRIP IN SWEETS COUNTRY
The Wenatchee AppleSox (11-12, 8-11), fourth place in the WCL East, continue their longest road trip of the season, at the Walla Walla Sweets (10-12, 10-12), after the AppleSox took game one a night ago by a score of 5-4...all of the first six games of the season series are to be played at Borleske Stadium...the AppleSox are playing their 16th franchise season (11th in the WCL) and are led by first-year skipper, AJ Proszek (11-12) (.478), who is in his 3rd season with the Sox, after managing the pitching staff in 2013 and 2014...Proszek is assisted by Miles Kizer and Cory LeBrun, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT
Erik Sauve stole the show for the AppleSox, with a two-hit night that inclueded his first two RBI of the season...he gave Wenatchee the go-ahead run in the top half of the fifth on a hard-hit single to center field...Mitchell Holland (2-for-5) and Nick Nyquist (3-for-4) each tallied multi-hit games as well...Nyquist earned his sixth, and Holland, his team-leading eighth...Zach Haggett earned his second win of the season, and Dustin Hamilton earned his first save over three innings...Hamilton has now held opponents scoreless in his last 5 1/3 innings of relief for Wenatchee...it was the AppleSox ninth one-run game this season (4-5), and the fifth in the last six games of the Walla Walla-Wenatchee series (1-4)...AppleSox are 144-106 all-time in one-run games.

JUNE TOTALS
The AppleSox finished the month of June with a team hitting total of .238 (156x655, 21 2B, 2 3B, 8 HR, 85 RBI, 87 BB, 170 K, 19 SB)...the pitching staff was 8-11 with 3 saves (4.26, 173 1/3 IP, 96 R, 82 ER, 97 BB, 140 K, 3HR, 27 2B, 4 3B, 782 BF)...the AppleSox leading reliever was Brian Gadsby (0.00, 1-0, 6 G, 12.2 IP (all scoreless), 5 H, 6 BB, 8 K)...leading starter was Hunter Wells (1.48, 3-0, 24.1 IP, 14 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 9BB, league-leading 27 K’s)...leading hitter was Mitchell Holland with a .368 average...Evan Douglas led the AppleSox with 5 HR, 11 RBI, and 7 extra-base hits (next closest: Hiura [6], Holland [5])...Kyle Vanderkin led the team in walks (14)...Ryan Crowe in sacrifice plays with 4 (2 flies, 2 hits).

SAUVE AND SOX RBI SITUATION
Erik Sauve collected his first two RBI of 2015 last night...the AppleSox have driven in 85 runs in total, 11 of which belong to Evan Douglas, the team’s leader...Mitchell Holland and Sheldon Liikala rank second with 9 each...Nick Nyquist and Ryan Crowe next with 8, and Keston Hiura with 7...78-of-85 RBI have come with runners on base...18 with the bases loaded (.174, 23 AB)...75 with runners in scoring position (.264, 208 AB, 2 HR)...33 with runners in scoring position and two outs (.272, 92 AB, 0 HR).

IN THE FIRST MEETING...
Each the AppleSox and the Sweets threw shutouts in the first two meetings (of three) at Borleske Stadium, earlier this year...the AppleSox have now been involved in three shutouts this season (2-1), with their only shutout loss coming at the hand of the Sweets...Walla Walla is 1-2 in shutout games this year, with their other loss coming in 1-0 fashion to the Bellingham Bells, June 18...there are only five AppleSox players from the first road series at Walla Walla that had hits and are still active...the AppleSox hit 1.86 in the first series and Walla Walla hit .169... the two teams combined to walk 31 batters, just over 10 per game...Walla Walla only had one extra-base hit, a double...setting the mark for worst combined hitting series this year for the AppleSox and any opponent.

APPLESOX ALL-TIME
Through the first fifteen franchise seasons and 833 games, the AppleSox own a 524-309 (.629) record...the AppleSox are 384-209 (.647) since the inception of the WCL in 2005...Wenatchee is 333-191 (.634) all-time in WCL league games (including playoffs), and 55-15 (.786) all-time in non-league contests since 2005...all-time, the AppleSox are 415-266 (.609) against league opponents (including playoffs) and 107-40 (.728) vs. non-league teams...Wenatchee owns a 315-160 (.667) all-time home record, and is 219-168 (.565) on the road...Wenatchee is 34-28 all-time in extra-inning games.

FIREWORKS NIGHT, FRIDAY JULY 3, BY EDWARD JONES

The AppleSox and Entertainment Fireworks - who also provide the City of Wenatchee's fireworks show -  will once again put on the team's annual Fireworks Night, Friday July 3, presented by Edward Jones.

The Wenatchee AppleSox will host their annual Fireworks Game, Friday July 3, following the final out of a game with the Klamath Falls Gems. The evening’s festivities kick off when gates open at the ballpark at 6 p.m., and the postgame fireworks display is sponsored by Edward Jones.

Fireworks Night at the ballpark will provide a safe and enjoyable way for residents of the Wenatchee Valley and surrounding community to enjoy Fourth of July festivities, without the worry of fire-safety hazards.

After this past weekend’s events, the AppleSox are hopeful that fans and community members can use the professionally-produced fireworks show at Paul Thomas Sr. Field as a substitute for the use of recreational fireworks in and around the City of Wenatchee.

Tickets for Fireworks Night are still available and can be purchased at www.applesox.com/tickets, or by calling the AppleSox at 509-665-6900. Pricing starts at $6. The AppleSox open a six-game home series Friday night, and many of the stadium’s seats are located in the shade – a perfect place to escape the heat.  

SAUVE AND APPLESOX GET GAME ONE WIN

Erik Sauve went 2-for-3 with 2 RBI, and Nick Nyquist had a 3-hit game, while Mitchell Holland added his eighth multi-hit game in a 5-4 AppleSox win, Tuesday.

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – The Wenatchee AppleSox (11-12, 8-11) took down the Walla Walla Sweets (10-12, 10-12) in West Coast League East Divisional play, Tuesday, by a score of 5-4 at Borleske Stadium.

Erik Sauve led the way for Wenatchee, going 2-for-3 with a walk and 2 RBI – his first two RBI of the season – and gave the AppleSox the go-ahead run on a hard-hit single in the fifth inning.

Before the fifth, it was a see-saw battle, with the AppleSox striking first in the second inning on a bases loaded wild pitch, to take a 1-0 lead.

Walla Walla answered with two runs in the home half, on a Juan Gamez double, which scored the tying run before Dyllin Wilbert was tossed out at the plate following a good relay play to the plate out of left center field. Gamez came to score later in the inning on a Matt Whitney sacrifice fly to center field.

The AppleSox used a three-run top half of the third to take the lead back from the Sweets, which included RBI singles from Nick Nyquist and Sauve. Nyquist also came to score later in the inning, when Sauve was stuck in a run down between first and second. The Sweets catcher, Willie MacIver opted to throw to second base first, and a return throw to the plate sailed wide to the backstop as Nyquist came to score.

Walla Walla tied the game in the bottom half on two more runs, including a Dyllin Wilbert RBI double into the right field corner.

Erik Sauve’s second sigle of the game, and second RBI of the season, in the top of the fifth gave Wenatchee the lead for good.

Zach Haggett (2-1) picked up the win, and tossed scoreless frames in the fifth and sixth innings. Dustin Hamilton came on and earned a three-inning save, and also recorded four outs in the ninth inning, after a dropped fly ball in shallow left field extended the final inning.

Wenatchee continues action at Borleske tomorrow, with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch. Chris Carns takes the mound for the AppleSox.

WP: Zach Haggett (2-1)
LP: Micah Gorman (2-2)
S: Dustin Hamilton (1)

APPLESOX CONTINUE ROAD TRIP IN SWEETS COUNTRY

The AppleSox visit Borleske Stadium for the second time in 2015, Tuesday, after opening their league schedule there on the road, earlier in 2015.

GAME NOTES 6/30
BASEBALL BLURBS 6/30
 

APPLESOX CONTINUE ROAD TRIP IN SWEETS COUNTRY
The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-12, 7-11), fourth place in the WCL East, continue their longest road trip of the season, at the Walla Walla Sweets (10-11, 10-11), in the teams’ second series meeting of the season...all of the first six games of the season are to be played at Borleske Stadium...the AppleSox are playing their 16th franchise season (11th in the WCL) and are led by first-year skipper, AJ Proszek (10-12) (.455), who is in his 3rd season with the Sox, after managing the pitching staff in 2013 and 2014...Proszek is assisted by Miles Kizer and Cory LeBrun, both in their first seasons.

LAST TIME OUT
The AppleSox were locked in a battle north of the border Sunday afternoon...again the Sox were plagued by quick scoring from the opposition...Victoria scored six runs in the first two innings, to take a commanding 6-1 lead into the third...Wenatchee worked its way back into the game with five runs, combined, in the fifth and sixth innings, and another four combined in the eighth and ninth innings, including a three-run ninth-inning rally to send the game to extra innings...a sweep still wasn’t meant to be in Victoria, though, as the HarbourCats loaded the bases on the AppleSox and walked home the winning run with the bases loaded...the AppleSox are now 1-3 in games that end in the final at bat.

TEACH ME HOW TO DOUGIE
Evan Douglas already has five home runs this season, which is tied with Patrick Flynn of Bend for the league lead...he has two more home runs than any AppleSox hitter from 2014...Ty Jackson, Nick Brooks, and Tyler Frost each had three last season...Andre Real had 6 in 2013...Ryan Howell with six in 2012, and Taylor Sparks with 9.

A LOT TO LIKE ABOUT LIIKALA
AppleSox outfielder Sheldon Liikala is providing a big push for the club in 2015...Liikala is tied for first in batting average at .365 with Mitchell Holland...he also has nine RBI, tied with Holland for second-most behid Evan Douglas’ 11...Liikala has the strongest road trip average so far, on this six-game stand - he went 7-for-13 at Victoria and had a four-hit afternoon, Sunday, the first AppleSox four-hit game of the season.

GREATEST, AND NOT SO GREATEST HITS
For the first time in 2015, the AppleSox out-hit their opponent and lost, Sunday...Wenatchee had 17 hits, a new season-high, but still, a 6-1 defecit after two innings proved too much to overcome on the road...the AppleSox only had 18 hits over three games, their first time around at Borleske Stadium, this summer...none of the 18 hits to open the league season went for extra bases.

IN THE FIRST MEETING...
Each the AppleSox and the Sweets threw shutouts in the first two meetings (of three) at Borleske Stadium, earlier this year...the AppleSox have now been involved in three shutouts this season (2-1), with their only shutout loss coming at the hand of the Sweets...Walla Walla is 1-2 in shutout games this year, with their other loss coming in 1-0 fashion to the Bellingham Bells, June 18...there are only five AppleSox players from the first road series at Walla Walla that had hits and are still active...the AppleSox hit 1.86 in the first series and Walla Walla hit .169... the two teams combined to walk 31 batters, just over 10 per game...Walla Walla only had one extra-base hit, a double...setting the mark for worst combined hitting series this year for the AppleSox and any opponent.

APPLESOX ALL-TIME
Through the first fifteen franchise seasons and 832 games, the AppleSox own a 523-309 (.629) record...the AppleSox are 383-209 (.647) since the inception of the WCL in 2005...Wenatchee is 331-191 (.634) all-time in WCL league games (including playoffs), and 55-15 (.786) all-time in non-league contests since 2005...all-time, the AppleSox are 414-266 (.609) against league opponents (including playoffs) and 107-40 (.728) vs. non-league teams...Wenatchee owns a 315-160 (.667) all-time home record, and is 218-168 (.565) on the road...Wenatchee is 34-28 all-time in extra-inning games.

APPLESOX FORCE EXTRAS, FALL AT VICTORIA

Sheldon Liikala had a four-hit afternoon, and the AppleSox a new high - 17 hits - but the Sox late rally was squandered in the eleventh, on a bases loaded walk, to win it for the HarbourCats.

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-12, 7-11) took advantage of a 4-four-4 afternoon from Sheldon Liikala, along with a three-run ninth inning rally to force extra innings with the Victoria HarbourCats (10-13, 8-12), yet lost 11-10 in 11 innings at Royal Athletic Park Sunday afternoon.

Liikala had the first four-hit game of the season for the AppleSox. Wenatchee got two, one-out singles in the ninth with the bases loaded after previously trailing 10-7 entering the final inning.

Liikala also came home to score on a sacrifice fly to right field for Ryan Crowe, his third RBI of the game.

In extras, Josh Mitchell of the HarbourCats, and Tony Contonio of the AppleSox went toe-to-toe, until the HarbourCats were able to load the bases in the eleventh inning on a batter hit by pitch, and back-to-back singles, including a bunt single.

Chris Foughner then walked with the bases full to force home the winning run for the HarbourCats after a valiant comeback effort by the Sox fell just short.

Wenatchee trailed 6-1 after two innings of play Sunday, and the HarbourCats were helped by a first inning three-run home run for Kevin Amequita – his first home run of the season.

The Sox used five runs in the fifth and sixth innings, and another four in the eighth and ninth innings to spur their comeback.

The 17 hits on the day were the most in a single game for the AppleSox, this season.

Wenatchee has the day off Monday and will return to the road Tuesday, facing Walla Walla at Borleske Stadium. Starting pitchers are to be determined.

WP: Josh Mitchell (1-2)
LP: Tony Contonio (0-2)

AppleSox Look For Sweep Against HarbourCats

The AppleSox are looking for their second sweep of the year at Victoria, Sunday afternoon.

BASEBALL BLURBS 6/28

DOUGLAS STAYS HOT, APPLESOX WIN PITCHER’S BATTLE

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-11, 7-10) used Evan Douglas’ fifth home run of the season to defeat the Victoria HarbourCats (9-13, 7-12), 1-0 in a pitchers duel, Saturday at Royal Athletic Park.

Douglas uncorked his fifth home run in the last four games, with one out in the second inning. His home run to right field totaled the offense to both sides, and put the AppleSox ahead for good.

Hunter Wells (3-0) got the start for Wenatchee and was marvelous. He struck out nine batters, including five in a row in the second and third innings, to help spark a great pitching night for Wenatchee.

Wells got into one tough spot in the fifth inning, loading the bases, but got out of it with a pop out in shallow left field and a strikeout.

Dominic Topoozian (2-2), the starter for the HarbourCats pitched a good game, despite the one mistake pitch to Douglas. He threw eight innings, surrendering only three hits, but the one run was enough to tab him with the loss.

Brian Gadsby pitched the final three innings for the AppleSox and picked up his first save of the season. He allowed runners on base in the eighth and ninth innings, however, two double plays, including a 2-6-3 DP on a foiled HarbourCat bunt attempt, saved the night for Wenatchee.

The AppleSox have a chance for the sweep, Sunday, with a 1:05 p.m. first pitch at Royal Athletic Park. CJ Gettman will get the start for the AppleSox.

WP: Hunter Wells (3-0)
LP: Dominic Topoozian (2-2)
S: Brian Gadsby (1)

AppleSox and HarbourCats Set For Game Two

GAME NOTES 6/27
BASEBALL BLURBS 6/27

APPLESOX TAKE TO ROAD FOR SIX-GAME TRIP
The Wenatchee AppleSox (9-11, 6-10), fourth place in the WCL East, continue their longest road trip of the season, with the Victoria HarbourCats (9-13, 7-12), after last night’s roller coaster slug fest...the AppleSox are playing their 16th franchise season (11th in the WCL) and are led by first-year skipper, AJ Proszek (9-11) (.450), who is in his 3rd season with the Sox, after managing the pitching staff in 2013 and 2014...Proszek is assisted by Miles Kizer and Cory LeBrun, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT
The AppleSox hit three home runs last night, on the way to an 11-8 win at Sports Trader’s Diamond...it marked the first time this season that the AppleSox hit multiple home runs in a single game, and the team has now hit seven home runs in total, this season...Evan Douglas went back-to-back with Mitchell Holland in the top of the fiffth inning, and became just the third AppleSox hitter all-time in league play to go deep twice in a contest...Mitchell Holland had a 3-for-5 night and hit his second home run of the season...Micael Taylor worked 6 1/3 innings in relief of Kyle Blankenship, who lasted 2 2/3 innings...Blankenship gave up all eight HarbourCat runs, and Taylor only allowed three hits and retired fourteen batters in a row at one point, while throwing one-two-three innings in the fifth through eighth innings.

2-OUT RBI MACHINE
.469 or 45-of-96 AppleSox RBI this season (including non-league games) have been driven in with two outs...Scott Hilpert is the team’s leader with 7 two-out RBI...12 different active roster players have had at least one two-out RBI at some point this season...5 two-out RBI belong to temporary players who are no longer on the active roster.

SPREAD OFFENSE
The AppleSox 72 RBI on the season have been hit by 15 different players (12 active), and only two active players have yet to record an RBI (Erik Sauve and Jake Hirabayashi)...the AppleSox team leaders in RBI is Evan Douglas with 10...Mitchell Holland has nine, and Sheldon Liikala has eight, while Nick Nyquist checks in with seven.

FOR THE GREATER GOOD
The AppleSox have seven sacrifice hits, and six sacrifice flies...a total of 13 sacrifice plays in league play in 2015...Helmstadter has 3 sacrifice plays (2 hits/1 fly), Ryan Crowe is also tied for the team lead with three (2 hits/ 1 fly).

FREE RIDE ZONE
Wenatchee is tied for fourth in the league for most walks, with 80, and are tied with the Walla Walla Sweets...only Bend (82), Corvallis (86), and Yakima Valley (96), have more walks.

KEEPING IT IN THE YARD
The two home runs given up by AppleSox pitching, sets the lowest mark for total home runs given up by a staff in the WCL (Bend, Meford, Kelowna, all next closest at 4)...Corvallis has given up a whopping 14 home runs, and Victoria, the next most at 13 surrendered, after the three given up last night.

APPLESOX ALL-TIME
Through the first fifteen franchise seasons and 830 games, the AppleSox own a 522-308 (.630) record...the AppleSox are 382-208 (.649) since the inception of the WCL in 2005...Wenatchee is 330-190 (.636) all-time in WCL league games (including playoffs), and 55-15 (.786) all-time in non-league contests since 2005...all-time, the AppleSox are 413-265 (.609) against league opponents (including playoffs) and 107-40 (.728) vs. non-league teams...Wenatchee owns a 315-160 (.667) all-time home record, and is 217-167 (.564) on the road...Wenatchee is 34-27 all-time in extra-inning games, and the Sox set a record for free baseball last summer, playing eight extended contests.

LONG BALL POWERS APPLESOX PAST HARBOURCATS

Evan Douglas was the first AppleSox hitter to hit two home runs in one league game since 2004.

VICTORIA, B.C. – The Wenatchee AppleSox (9-11, 6-10) hit three home runs in a back-and-forth contest with the Victoria HarbourCats (9-13, 7-12), which featured three lead changes on the way to an 11-8 AppleSox win, Friday.

Wenatchee led the game early, after a one-run first inning, thanks to a Keston Hiura RBI double.

Evan Douglas hit his third home run in as many nights, with a three-run shot to deep right field in the third inning. Wenatchee had a 5-1 lead, before Victoria went on to score six runs in its half, to take an 8-5 lead.

Wenatchee turned to reliever Micael Taylor, who carried the Sox all the way to the end. He threw 6 1/3 innings and retired 14-consecutive batters on four-consecutive one-two-three innings, and kept the HarbourCats off the board.

Wenatchee added two more runs in the fifth on back-to-back solo home runs for Mitchell Holland, his second of the year, and Douglas’ fourth (second of the game).

Wenatchee broke through with one more run in the eighth on a Danny Amaral RBI single to tie the game, and took the lead in the ninth on a bases loaded balk for the HarbourCats.

Two more runs came around to score in the ninth inning for the Sox, on two run-scoring bunts.

Victoria got the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth, but Taylor (1-0) shut the door for his first win of the season.

WP: Micael Taylor (1-2)
LP: Josh Mitchell (0-2)

SOX OPEN SIX-GAME ROADSTAND AT VICTORIA

The AppleSox face the Victoria HarbourCats in the first of a three-game set, Friday-Sunday at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, B.C.

GAME NOTES 6/26
BASEBALL BLURBS 6/26

APPLESOX TAKE TO ROAD FOR SIX-GAME TRIP
The Wenatchee AppleSox (8-11, 5-10), fourth place in the WCL East, hit the road for their longest road trip of the 2015 season, which starts with the Victoria HarbourCats (9-12, 7-11), coming off a series loss on the road to the Kitsap BlueJackets...the AppleSox are playing their 16th franchise season (11th in the WCL) and are led by first-year skipper, AJ Proszek (8-11) (.421), who is in his 3rd season with the Sox, after managing the pitching staff in 2013 and 2014...Proszek is assisted by Miles Kizer and Cory LeBrun, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT
The AppleSox scored first last night at Paul Thomas Sr. Field, but still couldn’t prevent two productive three-run innings for the Pippins...Chris Carns, the Sox starter, was taxed during the three-run fourth for the Pippins last night...the AppleSox were also plagued by two errors in the inning, both at second base...Evan Douglas went deep in the seventh inning for his second home run of the season, a no-doubt-about-it shot to right field...his second in as many nights.

2-OUT RBI MACHINE
.469 or 45-of-96 AppleSox RBI this season (including non-league games) have been driven in with two outs...Scott Hilpert is the team’s leader with 7 two-out RBI...12 different active roster players have had at least one two-out RBI at some point this season...5 two-out RBI belong to temporary players who are no longer on the active roster.

SPREAD OFFENSE
The AppleSox 62 RBI on the season have been hit by 15 different players (12 active), and only two active players have yet to record an RBI (Erik Sauve and Jake Hirabayashi)...the AppleSox team leaders in RBI are Nick Nyquist, Mitchell, Holland, and Sheldon Liikala - all with 7.

FOR THE GREATER GOOD
The AppleSox have seven sacrifice hits, and six sacrifice flies...a total of 13 sacrifice plays in league play in 2015...Helmstadter has 3 sacrifice plays (2 hits/1 fly), Ryan Crowe is also tied for the team lead with three (2 hits/ 1 fly).

FREE RIDE ZONE
Wenatchee is tied for fourth in the league for most walks, with 76, and are tied with the Walla Walla Sweets...only Bend (79), Corvallis (85), and Yakima Valley (90), have more walks.

KEEPING IT IN THE YARD
The two home runs given up by AppleSox pitching, sets the lowest mark for total home runs given up by a staff in the WCL (Bend, Meford, Kelowna, all next closest at 4)...Corvallis has given up a whopping 13 home runs, and Victoria, the next most at 10 surrendered.

APPLESOX ALL-TIME
Through the first fifteen franchise seasons and 829 games, the AppleSox own a 521-308 (.630) record...the AppleSox are 381-208 (.649) since the inception of the WCL in 2005...Wenatchee is 329-190 (.636) all-time in WCL league games (including playoffs), and 55-15 (.786) all-time in non-league contests since 2005...all-time, the AppleSox are 412-265 (.609) against league opponents (including playoffs) and 107-40 (.728) vs. non-league teams...Wenatchee owns a 315-160 (.667) all-time home record, and is 216-167 (.564) on the road...Wenatchee is 34-27 all-time in extra-inning games, and the Sox set a record for free baseball last summer, playing eight extended contests.