APPLESOX AIM TO EVEN SERIES WITH GRESHAM

Make sure you're at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium when the US Bank Play Ball Kid yells those magic words! 6:05 p.m. first pitch!

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs. Gresham GreyWolves
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium     |       6:05 p.m.  
L- Grady Miller (2-1) vs. L- Aaron Shoup (1-2)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-21, 0-4, 4-8 North), tied for fourth place in the North Division are at home continuing a six-game homestand against the Gresham GreyWolves team (15-16, 4-0, 7-8 South)...the AppleSox beat the GreyWolves 2-1 in a series early this year...for the first time, Wenatchee is behind in as series versus the Wolves...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (39-51) (.433), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT - APPLESOX 4, GRESHAM 6
WENATCHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-21, 0-4), played a tight 6-4 contest with the Gresham GreyWolves (15-16, 4-0), but couldn’t get past strong relief pitching in the loss at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Saturday...Back-to-back RBI singles for Ryan Rodriguez and Ryan Smith had the Wolves out in front early...Shane Martinez started a first-inning barrage with his first home run of the season, a leadoff solo shot to left field...Ryan Kredler followed with a double, and Michael Toglia tripled him home for a 2-2 score...Jordan Rathbone followed the triple with an RBI single to put the Sox up 3-2 into the second inning...Blatner kept Gresham off the board again until the top of the fifth...an error scored Dylan Doherty, who was aboard earlier in the frame on a single to tie the game 3-3...in the fifth Toglia hit his second triple of the night, which scored Kreidler from first base for a 4-3 lead...Eli Thornquist (2-1) and Chris Brown (1-2) battled into the sixth inning, but after a 1-2-3 frame, Thornquist gave away the Sox lead on Smith’s second RBI single of the night...with the game tied 4-4, Gresham added two more runs in the eighth after Thornquist left with one out and the bases loaded. Following an infield fly forced by Tyler Burch, a wild pitch and an error brought home the go-ahead and insurance runs for Gresham, and a 6-4 lead...Brown was nearly untouchable for the GreyWolves...he mowed down nine Wenatchee batters out of the bullpen, and allowed just one hit over four innings of shutout relief. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
RECORDS SET
Last night, the AppleSox set a season record for team triples in a season...Michael Toglia hit two triples in the game, to give the AppleSox 15 on the year...the record-setting mark bettered the 13-triple efforts of the 2011 and 2015 AppleSox...with two triples hit last night, Michael Toglia became just the second AppleSox player all-time to hit two triples in the same game...previously, the feat was accomplished by Brent Wyatt of the 2006 AppleSox, Aug. 1 at Bellingham. 

TOGLIA’S TREMENDOUD YEAR
Michael Toglia is hitting a third-best .284 for the Wenatchee AppleSox in 2016...over the last five games he is hitting .313...this season, Toglia has four triples, tying him for first in the West Coast League. 

WCL LEADERS
The AppleSox 15 triples are five better than the next-closest WCL team, Walla Walla with 10...Michael Toglia and Jordan Rathbone each have four triples on the season, and are leading the league.

NEARING INDIVIDUAL RECORD
Michael Toglia and Jordan Rathbone are now each two triples away from tying Keston Hiura for the team’s single-season record of 6 triples in a season. 

WOES AT HOME
A 6-10 home record at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium ranks as the worst WCL mark for any of the 11 teams at their home park. 

ANOTHER CLOSE GAME LOST
Wenatchee is now 2-11 in games decided by two runs or fewer, after last night’s loss...Wenatchee has also lost 8 leads in games that the team has lost...the AppleSox own the league’s worst one-run game record at 1-6. 

ON THE LEADERBOARD
Wenatchee is being led on the WCL leaderboards by Michael Togia...his 20 RBI are the most in the WCL North and second only, in total, to Tommy Lane of the Bend Elks with 26...his 3 home runs rank him tied for second in the WCL behind Victoria’s Ben Polshuk.

MUST-HAVE LATE LEAD
Notice that the AppleSox have not lost a game when trailing after seven innings, as they were a night ago...the team has trailed 17 times after the seventh and lost all of the contests...on the flip side, if Wenatchee leads after the seventh and eighth innings, the AppleSox are 9-0 on the season...the Sox will hope for the later this evening.  

MILLER BACK
Three of Grady Miller’s previous six league and non-league starts this season have come on Sundays...Miller will once again don the red alternate uniform for the AppleSox, pitching in his team-leading fourth Sunday game of the season...Miller is 2-1 on Sundays this year. 

TOGLIA’S TWO TRIPLES, NEW TEAM TRIPLE RECORD NOT ENOUGH IN CLOSE LOSS

The AppleSox couldn't keep the bats hot late against Gresham's bullpen, and despite setting the team record for triples in a season, the AppleSox, and Michael Toglia's two triples weren't enough Saturday. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-21, 0-4 Second Half), played a tight 6-4 contest with the Gresham GreyWolves (15-16, 4-0), but couldn’t get past strong relief pitching in the loss at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Saturday. 

Gresham jumped on AppleSox starter Justin Blatner for two runs in the first inning, in what was a high-scoring frame. Back-to-back RBI singles for Ryan Rodriguez and Ryan Smith had the Wolves out in front early. 

Wenatchee answered back immediately in the bottom of the first, hitting for a team cycle in the half inning. Shane Martinez started the barrage with his first home run of the season, a leadoff solo shot to left field. Ryan Kredler followed with a double, and Michael Toglia tripled him home for a 2-2 score. 

Toglia’s triple was the 14th of the season for the AppleSox, setting a new team record for triples in a season (previously held by the 2011 and 2015 AppleSox), with still 23 games left to play in the league regular season. 

Jordan Rathbone followed the triple with an RBI single to put the Sox up 3-2 into the second inning. 

Blatner settled down and the defense helped him out with inning-ending double plays in the second and third innings. Blatner kept Gresham off the board again until the top of the fifth. An error scored Dylan Doherty, who was aboard earlier in the frame on a single to tie the game 3-3. 

Again, Wenatchee had a quick answer, this time in the bottom of the fifth, on Toglia’s second triple of the night, which scored Kreidler from first base for a 4-3 lead. With two triples in the same game, Toglia accomplished a feat not attained by an AppleSox player since Brent Wyatt hit two triples at Bellingham, August 1, 2006. 

Eli Thornquist (2-1) and Chris Brown (1-2) battled into the sixth inning, but after a 1-2-3 frame, Thornquist gave away the Sox lead on Smith’s second RBI single of the night. With the game tied 4-4, Gresham added two more runs in the eighth after Thornquist left with one out and the bases loaded. Following an infield fly forced by Tyler Burch, a wild pitch and an error brought home the go-ahead and insurance runs for Gresham, and a 6-4 lead. 

Brown was nearly untouchable for the GreyWolves. He mowed down nine Wenatchee batters out of the bullpen, and allowed just one hit over four innings of shutout relief. 

Game two of the series is Sunday at 6:05 p.m. Grady Miller (2-1) will pitch for the AppleSox

APPLESOX FACE SOUTH SECOND-HALF LEADERS

The AppleSox are back at home to open a six-game homestand, and will play at 7:05 p.m., 6:05 p.m., and 7:05 p.m. this weekend/Monday. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs. Gresham GreyWolves
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium     |       7:05 p.m.  
R- Justin Blatner (2-1) vs. L- Gabe Benavides (1-3)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-20, 0-3, 4-8 North), tied for fourth place in the North Division are at home to take on a streaky Gresham GreyWolves team (14-16, 3-0, 7-8 South), that has jumped out to an early advantage in the WCL South division (second half)...the AppleSox beat the GreyWolves 2-1 in a series early this year...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (39-50) (.438), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

THURSDAY NIGHT - DOUBLEHEADER -- APPLESOX 3, KNIGHTS 5 | APPLESOX 1, KNIGHTS 4
CORVALLIS –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-20, 0-3 Second Half), were swept in Thursday night’s scheduled doubleheader with the Corvallis Knights (18-9, 0-0), 5-3 and 4-1 at Goss Stadium in Corvallis, Ore... Wenatchee scored first in the opener of the doubleheader...an RBI triple, courtesy of Haydan Hastings in the second inning, resulted in an early 1-0 lead for the AppleSox...Jimmy Dobrash pitched well, tossing three innings of shutout baseball to start the game...the Knights got a leadoff double and began getting aggressive on the base paths in the fourth...two runs came to score and Corvallis scored five runs in total during the fourth and fifth innings off of Dobrash and reliever Dylan Riddle (0-2)...Jacob Fricke came in and won the ballgame with four scoreless innings of relief for Corvallis...in game two, Corvallis carried over momentum from late in game one to claim a first-inning lead off of Luke Mattson (1-5)...Jordan Rathbone brought the AppleSox back on an RBI triple in the second inning...it was Rathbone’s fourth of the year, two shy of the team’s single-season record, set by Keston Hiura last summer...as a team, the AppleSox have tied the team single-season record for triples with the 2011 and 2015 AppleSox at 13...again, Corvallis scored all the late runs plating one in the fourth and two in the fifth, for the 4-1 win...all of the runs were charged to Mattson, with Miceal Taylor throwing a fine 1 2/3 innings scoreless in relief...the AppleSox couldn’t figure out starter Branden Cutsforth (1-0) in the second game. He tossed the full seven innings, earning the win for the Knights. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
APPLESOX GOING FOR FIRST WIN OF SECOND HALF
The AppleSox face a team that they had quite a bit of success against in the earier part of 2016...Wenatchee went 2-1 in the first series meeting with the Gresham GreyWolves...Wenatchee almost had a sweep, leading into the seventh inning of game three, but a 6-run frame for the GreyWolves upended the AppleSox bid for the sweep...Gresham scored 11-unanswered runs after falling behind 6-0 in the game...Wenatchee hit three home runs in the series at Gresham...two of which were credited to Otis Statum. 

TOGLIA AMONGST WCL LEADERS
Michael Toglia has been having a great pre-All Star break run for the ApleSox...Toglia is second in the WCL in runs batted in (18), and ranks first in the North...his three home runs have him tied for second in the league, and first in the North...two triples has Toglia tied for third in the league, and his 23 hits ranks him in the league’s top-25.

THE TRIPLE THREAT
13 triples on the 2016 season has tied this current AppleSox team with the 2015 and 2011 squads for most in a season, with 30 games left on the schedule...Jordan Rathbone has hit four triples, which has him ranked first in the WCL and two away from tying last year’s Keston Hiura for the single-season team record.

HOT AND NOT... AT THE HALFWAY POINT
Halfway through the 2016 season, Victoria is putting up amazing numbers...the HarbourCats have won 23 of the last 24 games...Gresham has won 4-of-5 and Corvallis and Bellingham have each won 5-of-7...Wenatchee has lost 11-of-13..Kelowna has lost four straight and 6-of-7, and Cowlitz has lost 4-of-5.

TRYING TO REPLICATE
Wenatchee needs to replicate its offensive performance agaisnt Gresham from the first series meeting...the Sox hit .313 with 18 runs batted in, five doubles, two triples, and three home runs...the Sox had a .400 on-base percentage and slugged .473.

A REMATCH
Both Justin Blatner and Gabe Benavides are making their second starts against their respective opponents...a great 5.2 innings of shutout baseball led the AppleSox to a 9-1 win...Gabe Benavides pitched in Gresham’s last win versus the AppleSox, lasting 4.1 innings, giving up six runs, five of which were earned...he got credit for a no-decision in the comeback win. 

CORVALLIS SWEEPS DOUBLEHEADER, SERIES

Wenatchee battled hard in a doubleheader at Corvallis, but fell to the Knights late in both games. 

GAME 1 BOX SCORE
GAME 2 BOX SCORE

CORVALLIS - The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-20, 0-3 Second Half), were swept following an 0-2 doubleheader against the Corvallis Knights (18-9, 0-0), falling 5-3 and 4-1 in two seven-inning games at Goss Stadium in Corvallis, Ore. 

Wenatchee scored first in the opener of the doubleheader. An RBI triple, courtesy of Haydan Hastings in the second inning, resulted in an early 1-0 lead for the AppleSox. 

Jimmy Dobrash pitched well, tossing three innings of shutout baseball to start the game. He ran into some trouble in the fourth inning against the Knights, who got a leadoff double and began getting aggressive on the base paths. Two runs came to score and Corvallis scored five runs in total during the fourth and fifth innings off of Dobrash and reliever Dylan Riddle (0-2).

Wenatchee could only muster one run late after chasing starter Grant Goodman from the game through three innings. Jacob Fricke came in and won the ballgame with four scoreless innings of relief for Corvallis. 

In game two, Corvallis carried over momentum from late in game one to claim a first-inning lead off of Luke Mattson (1-5). 

Jordan Rathbone brought the AppleSox back on an RBI triple in the second inning. It was Rathbone’s fourth of the year, two shy of the team’s single-season record, set by Keston Hiura last summer. As a team, the AppleSox have tied the team single-season record for triples with the 2011 and 2015 AppleSox at 13. 

Again, Corvallis scored all the late runs plating one in the fourth and two in the fifth, for the 4-1 win. All of the runs were charged to Mattson, with Miceal Taylor throwing a fine 1 2/3 innings scoreless in relief. 

The AppleSox couldn’t figure out starter Branden Cutsforth (1-0) in the second game. He tossed the full seven innings, earning the win for the Knights. 

Wenatchee will have an off day, Friday, before returning to action to take on the Gresham GreyWolves Saturday-Monday.. Game times are 7:05 p.m., 6:05 p.m., and 7:05 p.m. 

APPLESOX TO PLAY DOUBLEHEADER AT CORVALLIS

The AppleSox will play a scheduled Doubleheader at Corvallis, to end a stretch of 18-consecutive games. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Corvallis Knights
Goss Stadium     |       6:05 p.m.  // approx. 8:05 p.m.
GM 1 || R- Jimmy Dobrash (1-2) vs. R- Grant Goodman (0-0)
GM 2 || R- Luke Mattson (1-4) vs. R- Branden Cutsforth (0-0)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-18, 4-8 North), tied for fourth place in the North Division visit the Corvallis Knights (16-9, 6-3 South) in their first series of the WCL Second Half...the Corvallis Knights are in the final two games of their first-half schedule...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (39-48) (.448), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT -- APPLESOX 2, KNIGHTS 3
CORVALLIS –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-18, 0-1 Second Half), struggled to find an offensive answer against the Corvallis Knights (16-9, 0-0), in a 3-2 series-opening loss at Goss Stadium in Corvallis, Ore...Wenatchee went down in order in four of the first five innings, at the hand of Aaron Pope (3-2)...he only allowed two hits while totaling 10 strikeouts...Ross Clevenger (1-2), also pitched strongly, allowing just three hits through four innings to the first-half South-Champion Knights...Corvallis broke the scoreless tie in the fifth inning with an RBI single for Oregon State product Kyle Nobach...Emilio Alcantar followed with a sacrifice fly in the next at bat to give Corvallis a 2-0 lead...Wenatchee answered with a run off of Pope in the sixth inning, set up by a leadoff walk for Otis Statum, and the team’s second hit on a Matt Fraizer double...Matt Reitano drove in Statum with a sacrifice fly to left field...the AppleSox used just one reliever, Wednesday. Mac Lardner got out of trouble in the sixth inning, stranding two Corvallis runners in scoring position, but a squeeze play in the seventh inning led to a 3-1 Knight advantage...Alcantar sacrificed in his second RBI on a good bunt, and proved to provide the winning run for Corvallis...Reitano was responsible for both of the Sox RBI, after singling home Fraizer after his second double of the night in the eighth inning...Fraizer was in position to score following the double, after a balk moved him to third base...Chase Kaplan, who leads the WCL South with 6 saves, got the final three outs for Corvallis, preserving the one-run win. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
DOUBLE TROUBLE
It’s time for the AppleSox to play a doubleheader with the Corvallis Knights...this game was previously scheduled as to help the clubs avoid playing a one-game continuation of the series later in the season (due to an odd number 11 teams in the WCL)...in WCL play this is on the AppleSox’ 10th double header, and seven of those double headers were scheduled because of rain...Wenatchee is 48-40 all-time...24-16 road, 24-24 home...the AppleSox have swept 14 times, split 20, and been swept 10 times...the AppleSox used to play the Aloha Knights in double-header action...Wenatchee leads the all-time double-header matchups 4-2.

A FIRST
Last night, Matt Fraizer became the first AppleSox player to come up with two doubles in a game this season...Matt Reitano also posted his first 2-RBI game of the summer. 

AGAINST DIVISION LEADERS
Wenatchee is now 0-7 against opponents leading either the WCL North or South divisions.

ERROR FREE
The AppleSox did not commit an error last night for just the fourth time this season...the AppleSox are 2-2 in games in which they do not commit an error. 

JUST ONE RUN
Corvallis and Wenatchee have met a total of 85 times in the history of league and non-league matchups...29-of-85 contests have been decided by just one run. 

CLOSE ONLY COUNTS...
Wenatchee is now 1-6 in one-run games in 2016, and 1-3 in two-run games...leading to a total record of 2-9 in games decided by two runs or fewer. 

MULTIPLE HITS
Jordan Rathbone leads the AppleSox in multi-hit games in 2016, with nine...the next closest is a four-way tie with six. 

THE END OF AN ERA
Finally, Wenatchee will put an end to an 18-game stretch dating back to June 20...the stretch hasn’t been all too kind to Wenatchee, with the AppleSox currently at a 6-10 record, and not able to attain a finish better than 8-10. 

APPLESOX FALL IN SECOND-HALF OPENER

The AppleSox fell 3-2 in their series-opener and WCL second-half opener at Corvallis, Wednesday.

BOX SCORE

CORVALLIS - The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-18, 0-1 Second Half), struggled to find an offensive answer against the Corvallis Knights (16-9, 0-0), in a 3-2 series-opening loss at Goss Stadium in Corvallis, Ore. 

Wenatchee went down in order in four of the first five innings, at the hand of Aaron Pope (3-2), who was making his second start of the season versus the AppleSox. 

Pope tossed a season-high 10 strikeouts over six innings, and walked just one batter. He only allowed two hits. 

Ross Clevenger (1-2), also pitched strongly, allowing just three hits through four innings to the first-half South-Champion Knights. 

Corvallis broke the scoreless tie in the fifth inning with an RBI single for Oregon State product Kyle Nobach. Emilio Alcantar followed with a sacrifice fly in the next at bat to give Corvallis a 2-0 lead. 

Wenatchee answered with a run off of Pope in the sixth inning, set up by a leadoff walk for Otis Statum, and the team’s second hit on a Matt Fraizer double. Matt Reitano drove in Statum with a sacrifice fly to left field. 

The AppleSox used just one reliever, Wednesday. Mac Lardner got out of trouble in the sixth inning, stranding two Corvallis runners in scoring position, but a squeeze play in the seventh inning led to a 3-1 Knight advantage. Alcantar sacrificed in his second RBI on a good bunt, and proved to provide the winning run for Corvallis. 

Reitano was responsible for both of the Sox RBI, after singling home Fraizer after his second double of the night in the eighth inning. Fraizer was in position to score following the double, after a balk moved him to third base. 

Chase Kaplan, who leads the WCL South with 6 saves, got the final three outs for Corvallis, preserving the one-run win. 

The series concludes Thursday with a scheduled double header. The first game will start at 6:05 p.m., with Jimmy Dobrash to pitch for Wenatchee. Game two will be played approximately 30 minutes after the first game, and Luke Mattson will get the nod.  

APPLESOX OPEN SECOND HALF AT CORVALLIS

The AppleSox play the Corvallis Knights, who won the WCL South First-Half title, in a three-game series over two days, starting Wednesday night. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs Kelowna Falcons
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium     |       7:05 p.m.
R- Ross Clevenger (1-1) vs. L- Aaron Pope (2-2)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-17, 4-8 North), tied for second place in the North Division visit the Corvallis Knights (15-9, 6-3 South) to begin the second half of their WCL schedule...the Corvallis Knights are in the final three games of their first-half schedule...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (39-47) (.453), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT -- APPLESOX 9, FALCONS 5
WENACTHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-17), capped the first half of the West Coast League season with a 9-5 victory over the Kelowna Falcons (13-14), Tuesday at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium...Kelowna opened scoring Tuesday, with a solo home run off of Grady Miller....the Falcons added a second run in the third inning on an RBI fielder’s choice groundout for Jesse Moore...the AppleSox took back the lead in the bottom of the frame, with an RBI single for Ryan Kreidler that scored Matt Fraizer, and an error in right field brought home Evan Douglas to tie the game at 2-2...Jordan Rathbone doubled home Kreidler for a 3-2, AppleSox lead...a half inning later, Davis Todosichuk tied the game back up at 3-3, following an RBI single...Miller battled for five innings, and the score held until Eli Thornquist (2-0) took over in the sixth inning...the Sox left-hander gave up two runs on RBI singles to Lane Lacrone and Moore...Michael Toglia jump-started a four-run bottom half of the inning, to get Wenatchee the lead for good...Kreidler doubled to get two in scoring position with nobody out...Rathbone singled home a run to get the contest to 5-4, and a 2-RBI double for Taylor Borchers put the Sox in front for the remainder of the night...in the seventh, Wenatchee added another run after a 1-2-3 frame for Thornquist. An RBI groundout for Borchers gave him his 3rd RBI of the night, and the AppleSox went on to add one more run of insurance in the eighth inning on an RBI E6 for Fraizer...Tyler Burch pitched the final two innings of the night for Wenatchee to pick up his first save.

TONIGHT'S NOTES
NEW BEGINNINGS
Wednesday marks the beginning of the WCL second-half schedule for the Wenatchee AppleSox...Victoria locked down the first-half title in the WCL North...if a different North team claims the best record in the second half, they will face Victoria in the Divisional round of the WCL Playoffs...if Victoria  repeats as division champion and wins the second half, the second North Divisional team into the playoffs will be the next-best team based on overall season record. 

ON THEIR GAMES
Taylor Borchers, Alex Gonzales, and Jordan Rathbone have gotten it working at the plate lately...Borchers and Gonzales are on their best five-game stretches of 2016m each hitting  .400 over the last five games...Wenatchee is hitting .273 in the last five games as a team, to raise the team average above the .240 mark. 

THREE GAMES/TWO DAYS
Due to the odd number of teams in the WCL, Wenatchee and Corvallis will avoid playing a single game to continue this three-game series later in the season, by playing a doubleheader tomorrow...the two games will each be regulation seven innings, and be the final games in an 18-game stretch without a day off for Wenatchee. 

OREGON
The AppleSox are playing well in the state of Oregon this summer...the Sox have two series wins and are 4-2...they haven’t yet lost a game one in the state of Oregon this year. 

THE BEST FROM BURCH
Tyler Burch earned his first save of 2016 last night for the Wenatchee AppleSox...he now has tossed 10.0 consecutive scoreless innings, dating back to a June 15 appearance against the Walla Walla Sweets.

ANOTHER COMEBACK
Last night’s win was the fourth comeback win for Wenatchee in 2016...Taylor Borchers supplied the go-ahead and game-winning RBI...each his first of the season. 

FINDING A WAY TO SCORE
Ryan Kreidler has scored nearly one-third of the AppleSox runs over the last five games...he has crossed the plate eighth times, and the team has scored 30 total runs in the last five outings. 

WINNING AGAINST THE LONG BALL
Last night marked the first time in 2016 that the AppleSox won a game in which the opposing team hit at least one home run...previously Wenatchee was 0-8. 

COMING OFF HIS BEST START
In terms of innings pitched, walks allowed, and strikeouts thrown, Ross Clevenger enters tonight coming off of his best start of 2016...the right-hander was a tough-luck loser at Cowlitz in his last outing, when Wenatchee could only muster three hits and fell in a complete game shutout played in a swift one hour and fifty three minutes. 

APPLESOX WIN SERIES, BACK-AND-FORTH GAME

The AppleSox ended the first half of the WCL season on a high note, with a 9-5 win over the Kelowna Falcons. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-17), capped the first half of the West Coast League season with a 9-5 victory over the Kelowna Falcons (13-14), Tuesday at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. The WCL standings reset Tuesday, and the race for the second-half division championships begins. 

Kelowna opened scoring Tuesday, with a solo home run off of Grady Miller. Joey Crunkleton supplied the blast, and it was the first of the year against Miller. 

Wenatchee overcame the home run, having previously not won a game in which the opponent homered. 

The Falcons added a second run in the third inning on an RBI fielder’s choice groundout for Jesse Moore. The AppleSox took back the lead in the bottom of the frame, with an RBI single for Ryan Kreidler that scored Matt Fraizer, and an error in right field brought home Evan Douglas to tie the game at 2-2. 

Jordan Rathbone doubled home Kreidler for a 3-2, AppleSox lead. 

A half inning later, Davis Todosichuk tied the game back up at 3-3, following an RBI single. 

Miller battled for five innings, and the score held until Eli Thornquist (2-0) took over in the sixth inning. The first frame out of the bullpen for Thornquist was bumpy. The Sox left-hander gave up two runs on RBI singles to Lane Lacrone and Moore. 

Michael Toglia jump-started a four-run bottom half of the inning, to get Wenatchee the lead for good. Kreidler doubled to get two in scoring position with nobody out. Rathbone singled home a run to get the contest to 5-4, and a 2-RBI double for Taylor Borchers put the Sox in front for the remainder of the night. 

In the seventh, Wenatchee added another run after a 1-2-3 frame for Thornquist. An RBI groundout for Borchers gave him his 3rd RBI of the night, and the AppleSox went on to add one more run of insurance in the eighth inning on an RBI E6 for Fraizer. 

Tyler Burch pitched the final two innings of the night for Wenatchee to pick up his first save. He struck out three batters and increased his consecutive scoreless inning streak to 10 innings, dating back to June 15. 

Wenatchee starts the second half of its season, Wednesday night at Corvallis. The Knights and the AppleSox face off at 6:40 p.m. at Goss Stadium, and complete the series with a doubleheader starting at 6:05 p.m., Thursday.

APPLESOX AND FALCONS PLAY FOR SERIES

The AppleSox and the Kelowna Falcons will play for a series win, Tuesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs Kelowna Falcons
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium     |       7:05 p.m.
L- Grady Miller (2-1) vs. R- Blake Randazzo (2-3)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (9-17, 3-8 North), fifth place in the North Division host the Kelowna Falcons (13-13, 7-7 North) in a rubber-match game three of a WCL North series at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium...last night, Wenatchee scored the final five runs in the game, but couldn’t tie the contest...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (38-47) (.447), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT -- APPLESOX 5, FALCONS 6
WENACTHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (9-17), rallied late for five runs in the seventh and eighth innings against the Kelowna Falcons (13-13), but fell 6-5 on Independence Day at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium...early on, Justin Blatner (2-1) struggled in his start for the AppleSox...the left-hander was hit for a three-run first by the Falcons, and gave up three doubles in the frame...AJ Sawyer hit a two-run home run to put Kelowna ahead 5-0 in the third...Sawyer’s night wasn’t done, however, as he drove in Daniel Nist on an RBI single in the fifth inning...after only getting three hits and no runs off of Jake Simmons (4-1), the AppleSox finally broke through against the Kelowna starter in the seventh inning...a sacrifice fly to center field for Haydan Hastings gave Wenatchee its first run, and an RBI single for Otis Statum made it 6-2 after seven...Okeefe Hall came in for Kelowna in the eighth, and ran into trouble in the form of Michael Toglia...he crused a two-run home run over the right field fence for a 6-4 score...it was Toglia’s third home run of the season, and good for his 17th and 18th RBI..he is now the WCL North leader in runs batted in...Jordan Rathbone contributed a key two-out single later in the inning, to cut the deficit to one...trying to complete their largest comeback of 2016, the AppleSox couldn’t get past final Falcon reliever Jared Morton, who picked up his fifth save...in the ninth, Morton struck out the first two to face him, and then Alex Gonzales singled to get the tying run aboard. Shane Martinez lined out to center field to end the game, and even the series with the Falcons.

TONIGHT'S NOTES
MILLER’S GREAT REBOUND
Grady Miller will be key to the AppleSox success in trying to pick up a series win over the Kelowna Falcons, Tuesday...after a rough first start, allowing 7 runs, all earned, Miller has rebounded to throw some of the AppleSox best baseball on the mound...in the last three league starts for Miller, he is 2-0, while allowing an average of 2.33 runs per start...each of his starts have lasted at least six innings, and he turned in Wenatchee’s longest start of the summer at 7 innings, June 12 versus the Corvallis Knights...Miller’s 3.6:1 strikeout to walk ratio is tied with Matt Young for best on the AppleSox pitching staff. 

THE WCL FIRST HALF
Wenatchee is locked into a fifth-place finish in the first half of the WCL standings in the North Division...the standings reset for the AppleSox tomorrow night when the team takes to the road to play the Corvallis Knights for a three-game stretch. 

TWO-OUT RBIs
Four of Wenatchee’s five runs driven in last night came with two outs...56 of the team’s 103 RBI have come with two outs this season...Michael Toglia is the team leader with 11...he added two last night on his home run.

DINGER
Last night, Michael Toglia hit his team-leading third home run of the season...it was the AppleSox’ 8th home run of the season, tying them for second in the WCL for second in home runs with the Bellingham Bells...Wenatchee also allowed a home run to AJ Sawyer...the AppleSox are now 2-3 when they hit a home run, but a very telling 0-8 when the opponent cashes in on a long ball. 

CLOSE CALL
Kelowna was barely able to hold off a late Wenatchee charge last night...the AppleSox fell by a single run for the fifth time this season, and the Sox are now a total of 2-8 in games decided by two runs or fewer. 

THE WORST STRETCH
Wenatchee hasn’t played a worse ten-game stretch than this current span...the AppleSox are 2-8 in their last ten games, but have a chance to get back another series win on the season. 

2016 SERIES PLAY
Wenatchee has won four series, and lost four series in 2016...the AppleSox are not playing well in the final games of series...standing at a total of 1-7...Grady Miller pitched the only rubber-match game three for the AppleSox this season, and helped Wenatchee to a 3-0 shutout win over the Corvallis Knights...it was Wenatchee’s first shutout of 2016. 

APPLESOX LATE RALLY HELD OFF BY KELOWNA

Wenatchee scored Monday night's final five runs, but fell to the Kelowna Falcons 6-5 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee AppleSox (9-17), rallied late for five runs in the seventh and eighth innings against the Kelowna Falcons (13-13), but fell 6-5 on Independence Day at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. 

Early on, Justin Blatner (2-1) struggled in his start for the AppleSox. The left-hander was hit for a three-run first by the Falcons, and gave up three doubles in the frame. The third, for Brendt Citta scored the third run for Kelowna.

The Falcons cashed in for 8 extra-base hits of the 13 total, Monday night. AJ Sawyer had the team’s sixth extra-base hit on a two-run home run to put Kelowna ahead 5-0 in the third. It was Sawyer’s first home run of the season, and the third for the Falcons. 

Sawyer’s night wasn’t done, however, as he drove in Daniel Nist on an RBI single in the fifth inning. 

After only getting three hits and no runs off of Jake Simmons (4-1), the AppleSox finally broke through against the Kelowna starter in the seventh inning. A sacrifice fly to center field for Haydan Hastings gave Wenatchee its first run, and an RBI single for Otis Statum made it 6-2 after seven. 

Okeefe Hall came in for Kelowna in the eighth, and ran into trouble in the form of Michael Toglia. He crused a two-run home run over the right field fence for a 6-4 score. It was Toglia’s third home run of the season, and good for his 17th and 18th RBI on the season. He is now the WCL North leader in runs batted in. 

Jordan Rathbone contributed a key two-out single later in the inning, to cut the deficit to one. 

Trying to complete their largest comeback of 2016, the AppleSox couldn’t get past final Falcon reliever Jared Morton, who picked up his fifth save. 

Morton picked up the final out of the eighth, when the Falcons caught Rathbone trying to move to third on a pitch in the dirt. 

In the ninth, Morton struck out the first two to face him, and then Alex Gonzales singled to get the tying run aboard. Shane Martinez lined out to center field to end the game, and even the series with the Falcons. 

Tuesday night, the AppleSox and the Falcons will play for the series win. Grady Miller (2-1) will be on the mound for Wenatchee and first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. 

APPLESOX HOPE BATS STAY HOT VS FALCONS

After a record night last night, the AppleSox are hoping for another hot performance, Monday, against the Kelowna Falcons. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs Kelowna Falcons
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium     |       7:05 p.m.
L- Justin Blatner (2-0) vs. R- Jake Simmons (3-1)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (9-16, 3-7 North), fifth place in the North Division host the Kelowna Falcons (12-13, 6-7 North) for Independence Day at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium...last night the AppleSox kicked a 7-game losing streak to the curb, with a season-high 12 runs in the victory...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (38-46) (.452), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT -- APPLESOX 12, FALCONS 2
WENACTHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (9-16), got the offensive explosion they needed, Sunday, on Fireworks Night against the Kelowna Falcons (12-13), with a season-high 12 runs...the scoring started early and often, with the AppleSox jumping on Colby Nealy (1-2) for five runs in the first inning...the six-hit inning was the best for the AppleSox since a nine-run outburst at Bend, and was kick-started by a 2-RBI triple down the right field line for Evan Douglas...Jordan Rathbone, Taylor Borchers, and Alex Gonzales also added RBI singles in the inning for the early lead...Wenatchee’s starter Luke Mattson (1-4) had to battle through command issues early, but settled down to toss six shutout innings...he struck out two batters and allowed just six hits...Borchers, who had a two-hit night after collecting his first Sox hit of the summer, added a sacrifice fly RBI in another five-run inning for the Sox in the fifth inning...the sacrifice came after back-to-back RBI triples for Ryan Kreidler and Rathbone...Shane Martinez also drove a 2-RBI double into the right-center field gap, leading to a 10-0 AppleSox lead after five innings...Wenatchee got two more runs in the seventh, after Kelowna scored its first off of Nick Hoefling in a no-out bases loaded spot...he only allowed a sacrifice fly, and would give up one more in the eighth, for the Falcons’ two runs...the AppleSox seventh-inning runs came home on RBI singles for future Arizona teammates Shane Martinez and Matt Fraizer...Miceal Taylor preserved the win in the ninth inning, striking out the games final batter to help put an end to Wenatchee’s seven-game losing streak.

TONIGHT'S NOTES
OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION
Last night, the AppleSox came up with their highest scoring game of 2016 on Fireworks Night...12 runs was the most scored by Wenatchee since the AppleSox plated 17 runs at Kelowna against the Falcons, July 30, 2015...the 12 runs scored was not the most by an AppleSox team on Fireworks Night...in fact, the AppleSox clubbed 14, losing 16-14 to the Kirkland Kodiaks on Fireworks Night back in 2004...the 10-run winning margin was the largest on a Fireworks Night game. 

THREE IS A MAGIC (RECORD) NUMBER
Three triples last night resulted in four of the AppleSox runs batted in...Wenatchee had previously never hit three triples in a single game...Jordan Rathbone hit his team-leading third triple last night...the team’s record for an individual in triples hit, was set by Keston Hiura last season...he hit 6 triples...the team record for triples is 13, set by the 2011 and 2015 AppleSox...this Wenatchee squad already has 11 this season, with still an entire second half to play. 

LATELY
The AppleSox are averaging 7.5 runs-per-game against the Kelowna Falcons dating back to the start of the 2015 season. 

QUALITY START
Luke Mattson picked up a quality start in his winning effort last night...it was the AppleSox fifth quality start of the year, and it snapped a four-game losing streak for Mattson. 

LOSING STREAK OVER
With the 12-2 win, the AppleSox ended their second 7-game losing streak of the season...after the end of the last losing streak, the AppleSox won 4-straight games, with an 8-2 record over a 10-game stretch. 

THE EARLY LEAD
Did you know that last night Wenatchee grabbed just it’s third first-inning home lead of the season?...the previous two were June 29 against the Victoria HarbourCats (2-0)...and June 14 against Walla Walla (1-0)...Wenatchee is now 2-1 at home when grabbing a first-inning lead.

KEEPING THEM AT BAY
The two runs allowed by the AppleSox pitching staff marked the fewest given up since June 24 in a 9-1 on the road at Gresham.

THE BEST
You can call Justin Blatner the AppleSox ‘ace.’...he sports a team-leading 2.03 ERA...Blatner is tied with Grady Miller for the team lead in wins...also has allowed the fewest walks of any Sox starting pitcher (4). 

TO COMPLETE WCL FIRST-HALF PLAYOFF PICTURE
All the Corvallis Knights need to complete their first-half crown in the South division is one win over the Pippins in the next two nights, or to win 2-of-3 when the Wenatchee AppleSox come to town...losing the next two to the Pippins, and losing what will be the AppleSox first second-half series, and the Knights final first-half series, would lead to Corvallis losing the spot to the Yakima Valley Pippins, already done with their first-half schedule to the tune of a 15-12 record. 

APPLESOX BATS EXPLODE ON FIREWORKS NIGHT, WIN 12-2

Wenatchee hit a season-high three triples en route to a 12-2 win over the Kelowna Falcons on Fireworks Night, Sunday. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee AppleSox (9-16), got the offensive explosion they needed, Sunday, on Fireworks Night against the Kelowna Falcons (12-13), coming up with a season-high 12 runs along with four extra-base hits to win 12-2 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium in front of a capacity crowd. 

The scoring started early and often, with the AppleSox jumping on Colby Nealy (1-2) for five runs in the first inning. The six-hit inning was the best for the AppleSox since a nine-run outburst at Bend, and was kick-started by a 2-RBI triple down the right field line for Evan Douglas. 

Jordan Rathbone, Taylor Borchers, and Alex Gonzales also added RBI singles in the inning for the early lead. 

Wenatchee’s starter Luke Mattson (1-4) had to battle through command issues early, but settled down to toss six shutout innings, in his best start of the summer. He struck out two batters and allowed just six hits, and only two of them came after the second inning. 

Borchers, who had a two-hit night after collecting his first Sox hit of the summer, added a sacrifice fly RBI in another five-run inning for the Sox in the fifth inning. The sacrifice came after back-to-back RBI triples for Ryan Kreidler and Rathbone. 

Shane Martinez also drove a 2-RBI double into the right-center field gap, leading to a 10-0 AppleSox lead after five innings. 

Wenatchee got two more runs in the seventh, after Kelowna scored its first off of Nick Hoefling in a no-out bases loaded spot. Hoefling only allowed a sacrifice fly, and would give up one more in the eighth, for the Falcons’ two runs. 

The AppleSox seventh-inning runs came home on RBI singles for future Arizona teammates Shane Martinez and Matt Fraizer. 

Miceal Taylor preserved the win in the ninth inning, striking out the games final batter to help put an end to Wenatchee’s seven-game losing streak. 

The AppleSox continue game two of the series tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m., and team ace Justin Blatner will pitch for Wenatchee. 

APPLESOX HOME FOR FIREWORKS NIGHT, SUNDAY

The AppleSox welcome the Kelowna Falcons to Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, for Fireworks Night, Sunday July 3. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs Kelowna Falcons
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium     |       7:05 p.m.
R- Luke Mattson (0-4) vs. TBA
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (8-16, 2-7 North), fifth place in the North Division host the Kelowna Falcons (12-12, 6-6 North) for Fireworks Night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium...it is the AppleSox first meeting with Kelowna this year...Wenatchee is trying to put an end to a seven-game losing streak...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (37-46) (.446), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT -- APPLESOX 4, BLACK BEARS 5
LONGVIEW –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (8-16), battled back for a late-inning lead, but couldn’t hold on against the Cowlitz Black Bears (11-13), suffering a 5-4 walkoff loss in the ninth inning at Story Field in Longview, Wash...Wenatchee scored first in the contest, with an RBI single from Matt Reitano in the second inning, off of David Appleby...Cowlitz answered the AppleSox immediately scoring off of Jimmy Dobrash three times in the bottom of the second inning...an error and Colin Winn and Morgan McCullough RBIs provided the runs...the AppleSox got back a run in the fourth inning on an Alex Gonzales RBi single...Ryan Kreider, who doubled earlier in the inning, came around to score his second run of the night on the play...the AppleSox were held in by Dobrash and Mac Lardner (0-2) in the contest...Michael Toglia provided a two-RBI double to put the AppleSox ahead 4-3 after the top of the seventh...Shane Martinez and Evan Douglas scored on the play...Weston Hatten sacrificed in Andy Armstrong in the seventh for Cowlitz, who was a pinch runner for Lorin Archibald...with the score tied in the ninth inning, McCullough led off the frame with a single off of Lardner...Dylan Riddle entered for the AppleSox and forced a lineout to third base...after Martinez caught the ball, he tried to double McCullough off back at first base, but threw high of Toglia, allowing Cowlitz’s winning run into scoring position...after a lineout to left field, Kenyon Yovan lined a 1-2 pitch into the gap in left center field, and hit it off the base of the wall for a walkoff RBI double to win the game for the Black Bears. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
HERE WE ARE AGAIN
Wenatchee has now suffered two 7-game losing streaks in 2016...the last time the AppleSox had lost seven straight games they were at home facing the Corvallis Knights...a 6-3 win kicked the streak to the curb and started an 8-2 stretch for Wenatchee.

HERE COMES THE BOOM
It’s Fireworks Night for the AppleSox, and despite playing in front of the largest crowds in AppleSox history on this very night, Wenatchee is only a lifetime 7-9 and 4-8 in league games...the AppleSox won last season’s Fireworks Night game as part of a series sweep of the Klamath Falls Gems...Wenatchee has not had a series sweep this season. 

WCL AND BEYOND
The AppleSox and the Falcons have played 120 times dating back to PIL and non-league games before the start of the WCL in 2005...this is the most of any opponent, with Bellingham next at 95 games...Kelowna has been the visitor 59 times in the series. 

PLENTY OF SCORING
Expect the AppleSox and Falcons to score often throughout the series...the two clubs combine to score an average 10.57 runs per game when facing each other.

GIVING UP THE LEAD
Wenatchee claimed a 4-3 advantage over the Cowlitz Black Bears last night in Longview...unfortunately, the AppleSox also lost that lead...something that has happened 6 times in 2016, resulting in losses...the AppleSox have come from behind to win just three times this year. 

CLOSE GAMES
In 7 games decided by two runs or fewer, the AppleSox are 2-7...a total of 1-4 in one-run games and 1-3 in two-run games...the average losing margin for the Sox during this seven-game losing streak is at 2.3 runs-per-game. 

AMONG THE LEADERS
Michael Toglia has driven in 16 runs in 2016, one of the WCL North lead at 17, held by Victoria’s Cody Snider and three off of the WCL-leader Tommy Lane at 19 with the Bend Elks...Toglia has 9 two-out RBI for the AppleSox after both of his runs came in with two outs in the seventh inning last night to give the AppleSox a lead. 

THE CELLAR
After last night’s loss, the AppleSox first-half fate is locked in...Wenatchee will finish fifth in the WCL North First-Half standings...this is the first time the AppleSox have finished dead last in the standings of a season-marker (end of season or mid-season tally). 

TELLS THE STORY
The offense is struggling in a major way over the last five games for Wenatchee, hitting just .207 with 14 runs driven in. 

COWLITZ SWEEPS WENATCHEE WITH WALKOFF DOUBLE

Cowlitz overtook Wentchee's late 4-3 lead, after tying the game in the seventh. A walkoff with two outs in the ninth for the Black Bears won it on their Fireworks Night, Saturday.

BOX SCORE

LONGVIEW - The Wenatchee AppleSox (8-16), battled back for a late-inning lead, but couldn’t hold on against the Cowlitz Black Bears (11-13), suffering a 5-4 walkoff loss in the ninth inning at Story Field in Longview, Wash. 

Wenatchee scored first in the contest, with an RBI single from Matt Reitano in the second inning, off of David Appleby. Reitano was replaced by Alex Gonzales in the next frame. 

Cowlitz answered the AppleSox immediately scoring off of Jimmy Dobrash three times in the bottom of the second inning. An error in left field scored the first Black Bear run, and Colin Winn and Morgan McCullough added RBI singles for Cowlitz. 

Dobrash settled down over the next three innings, retiring nine straight at one point, while keeping the Cowlitz offense at bay. 

The AppleSox got back a run in the fourth inning on an Alex Gonzales RBi single. Ryan Kreider, who doubled earlier in the inning, came around to score his second run of the night on the play. 

The AppleSox were held in by Dobrash and Mac Lardner (0-2) in the contest until the offense could strike again in the seventh inning off of Parker McFadden. 

Michael Toglia provided a two-RBI double to put the AppleSox ahead 4-3 after the top of the seventh. All four of the AppleSox runs came batted in with two outs. Shane Martinez and Evan Douglas scored on the play. 

Cowlitz responded immediately in the bottom of the seventh inning, when Weston Hatten sacrificed in Andy Armstrong, who was a pinch runner for Lorin Archibald. Archibald doubled earlier in the inning. 

With the score tied in the ninth inning, McCullough led off the frame with a single off of Lardner. Dylan Riddle entered for the AppleSox and forced a lineout to third base. After Martinez caught the ball, he tried to double McCullough off back at first base, but threw high of Toglia, allowing Cowlitz’s winning run into scoring position at second. 

After a lineout to left field, Kenyon Yovan lined a 1-2 pitch into the gap in left center field, and hit it off the base of the wall for a walkoff RBI double to win the game for the Black Bears. 

Wenatchee returns home to take on the Kelowna Falcons, Sunday. It will be a fireworks night in Wenatchee, presented by Edward Jones. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. 

APPLESOX TRYING TO AVOID SWEEP IN LONGVIEW

Jimmy Dobrash is back on the mound for the Wenatchee AppleSox, Saturday, looking for his second win of 2016.

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Cowlitz Black Bears
Story Field     |       7:05 p.m.
R- Jimmy Dobrash (1-2) vs. R- David Appleby (1-2)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (8-15, 2-7 North), fifth place in the North Division are trying to fend off a sweep on the road...the AppleSox will face the Cowlitz Black Bears (10-13, 7-5 South) for the continuation of a three-game series before returning home to Wenatchee for Fireworks Night, Sunday...Wenatchee is trying to put an end to a six-game losing streak...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (37-45) (.402), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT -- APPLESOX 0, BLACK BEARS 3
LONGVIEW –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (8-15), struggled to figure out the Cowlitz Black Bears (10-13) lefty, Damon Jones (3-2), in a 3-0 loss Friday night at Story Field in Longview, Wash...the left-hander from Washington State went the distance in his final start of the summer, holding the AppleSox to just three hits, and retiring the side in order in six separate innings...Ross Clevenger (1-1) was reached in the first inning for a run, on an RBI single for Yaeger Taylor...the Black Bears’ left fielder was thrown out of the contest arguing strikes later on in the eighth inning...two more runs were scored off of Clevenger in the fourth inning on an RBI single for Clevenger’s NNU teammate Tim Jones...Toby Johnson scored, after being hit by a pitch earlier in the inning...Michael Forgione drove in Cowlitz’s only other run later in the frame, to score Jones for the 3-0 final...Matt Young pitched three innings in relief for Wenatchee, giving up just two hits and a pair of steals to Forgione...Wenatchee tried to make things interesting in the ninth, getting the first two aboard off of Jones...Matt Fraizer and Shane Martinez each singled in the game, while Evan Douglas had the Sox only extra-base hit on a seventh-inning double...Wenatchee popped out with two on and no out in the ninth...Jones struck out the next two for his seventh and eighth strikeouts of the game, and the series win for the Black Bears. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
NEVER BEFORE
The Cowlitz Black Bears have never swept the Wenatchee AppleSox...this is the teams’ ninth all-time series meeting. 

ROUGH GAME THREES
Wenatchee is struggling in the third-and-final games of series this season...the AppleSox are 1-6 in those games and have lost 4-straight. 

LAST NIGHT’S SHUTOUT
Last night’s complete game shutout marked the first time the AppleSox had been shut out since an 11-0 loss to the Yakima Valley Pippins June 5...it was the first complete game shutout against the AppleSox since July 18, 2015 in Kelowna...Curtis Taylor threw the full nine innings for the Falcons, surrendering just two hits.

BACK-TO-BACK NIGHTS
In back-to-back nights, the Wenatchee AppleSox have played their shortest and longest games...1:53 last night, and 3:30, Thursday night. 

WITHOUT A WALK
For the first time in 2016, the AppleSox did not give up a walk last night...in total, the AppleSox gave up just one free base, when Ross Clevenger hit a batter with a pitch in the fourth inning. 

BAD STREAKS
Last season, the AppleSox suffered no losing streaks greater than five games...this season, Wenatchee is currently on a six-game slide, and already had a seven-game losing streak earlier in the season...Wenatchee already owns two of the league’s four longest losing streaks, and the league’s longest losing streak at six games (previously Kitsap at 8 games, but the BlueJackets won last night). 

TROUBLE STACKING UP
Opponents have out-hit the AppleSox in 15-of-23 games this season...Wenatchee is 2-13 in the 15 games with fewer hits, and 6-2 in the eight games in which they total more hits than their opponents.  

APPLESOX SHUT OUT TO START JULY

Wenatchee struggled with Cowlitz left-hander Damon Jones in a 3-0 loss, Friday.

BOX SCORE

LONGVIEW - The Wenatchee AppleSox (8-15), struggled to figure out the Cowlitz Black Bears (10-13) lefty, Damon Jones (3-2), in a 3-0 loss Friday night at Story Field in Longview, Wash. 

The left-hander from Washington State went the distance in his final start of the summer, holding the AppleSox to just three hits, and retiring the side in order in six separate innings. 

Ross Clevenger (1-1) was reached in the first inning for a run, on an RBI single for Yaeger Taylor. The Black Bears’ left fielder was thrown out of the contest arguing strikes later on in the eighth inning. 

Two more runs were scored off of Clevenger in the fourth inning on an RBI single for Clevenger’s NNU teammate Tim Jones. Toby Johnson scored, after being hit by a pitch earlier in the inning. 

Michael Forgione drove in Cowlitz’s only other run later in the frame, to score Jones for the 3-0 final. 

Matt Young pitched three innings in relief for Wenatchee, giving up just two hits and a pair of steals to Forgione. 

Wenatchee tried to make things interesting in the ninth, getting the first two aboard off of Jones. Matt Fraizer and Shane Martinez each singled in the game, while Evan Douglas had the Sox only extra-base hit on a seventh-inning double. 

Wenatchee popped out with two on and no out in the ninth. Jones struck out the next two for his seventh and eighth strikeouts of the game, and the series win for the Black Bears. 

Game three is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Story Field, Saturday, and will be a pre-Independence Day fireworks celebration. Jimmy Dobrash (1-2) will get the start for the AppleSox.

APPLESOX TRYING TO EVEN SERIES IN LONGVIEW

The AppleSox have not won a road series in 2016 after losing game one. They are looking to change that tonight, by evening the series in Longview.

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Cowlitz Black Bears
Story Field     |       6:35 p.m.
R- Ross Clevenger (1-0) vs. L- Damon Jones (2-2)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (8-14, 2-7 North), fifth place in the North Division are on the road again after a six-game road trip last week...the AppleSox will face the Cowlitz Black Bears (9-13, 7-5 South) for the continuation of a three-game series before returning home to Wenatchee for Fireworks Night, Sunday...Wenatchee is trying to put an end to a five-game losing streak...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (37-44) (.457), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT -- APPLESOX 4, BLACK BEARS 5
LONGVIEW –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (8-14), fell 5-4 to the Cowlitz Black Bears (9-13), in 12 innings at Story Field in Longview, Wash...the AppleSox were guided for six superb innings by Grady Miller, who used just 53 pitches over the first six frames, only allowing three hits, while striking out four batters and giving up zero walks...during the stretch, Wenatchee was hit by pitch five times, and walked four times, while tallying four hits and three runs...a throwing error at third base scored Otis Statum in the fourth inning, after he got aboard on a walk and stole second base...Wenatchee led Riley Ohl 1-0 after his 4 1/3 innings of work...the AppleSox added two more runs in the sixth inning off of Chandler Greenfield on a sacrifice fly RBI to center field for Shane Martinez and an RBI double for Matt Fraizer...with the bases loaded and 0 outs in the bottom of the seventh, a Taylor Yaeger sacrifice fly to center field cut the AppleSox lead to 3-1...later, a 2-RBI single for Toby Johnson tied the game, and an RBI single for Michael Forgione gave the Bears a 4-3 lead...Michael Toglia evened the score in the eighth inning on an RBI ground-rule-double to left field...it scored Matt Fraizer and came earned off of Devon McKesson...Tyler Burch and Jake Hawken (1-0), were locked in a pitchers duel for the eighth-11th innings, Thursday. The two went toe-to-toe, continually rolling each half inning over to the opposing team...with the bases loaded against Taylor Borchers, Morgan McCullough drove in the game’s winning run on a ground ball to shortstop that was bobbled by Ryan Kreidler. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
MORE K’s
After starting the season leading the WCL in strikeouts, the AppleSox just tossed their fist 10+ strikeout game since June 15, 2013 in a 13-strikeout performance against the Walla Walla Sweets. 

CAN’T REACH HIM
With a phenomenal 4.1 innings of scoreless relief last night, Tyler Burch now leads all AppleSox pitchers with 8-consecutive scoreless innings pitched...this dates back to a 3.2 scoreless relief appearance in a June 15 win over the Walla Walla Sweets.  

BAD LUCK WITH EXTENDED GAMES
In the loss last night, Wenatchee played its third extra-inning game of the season (1-2)...the AppleSox have now lost six of their last seven extra-inning games, dating to last season...the AppleSox are 34-31 all-time in extra innings. 

LOSING A LEAD
Wenatchee led 3-0 after six innings last night...with the loss, the AppleSox have now lost five leads on the season in games that ended in a loss. 

BACK ON THE ROAD
Wenatchee has won its last two road series, but did take game one in each of those sets...this following a sweep in the team’s first road matchup of 2016 at Victoria. 

CLOSING THE MONTH
Wenatchee ended the month of June at 10-14 (including non-league games), at a 41.7 percent winning percentage...the month was the second-worst June in team history...in 2007 the AppleSox were 8-12 (40.0 percent)...the AppleSox aren’t so hot opening the month of July in team history...the AppleSox are 5-8 overall, 1-3 on the road, and have a four-game losing streak. 

IN THE CLOSE ONES
Wenatchee is starting to struggle in the close games in 2016...with eight games decided by two runs or fewer this season, the AppleSox are 2-6 in those contests...now 1-2 in extra-inning games...last season, the two losses here in Longview were decided by just one run. 

AT THE ALL STAR HOUSE
When playing at the home of the WCL All Star Game, the AppleSox were 1-2 last year...the Sox salvaged a series win at Bellingham last year to avoid a sweep...in 2014.

SEVENTH OR LATER
When trailing after seven innings of play, the AppleSox are 0-13 this season, despite closing the gap a night ago and forcing extra innings. 

PLENTY OF CHANCES
Wenatchee left 16 runners on base last night, getting runners aboard and leaving them there in the ninth, 11th, and 12th innings...the 16 runners left on was a new season high for the AppleSox.  

BIG INNING HURTS APPLESOX IN 12-INNING LOSS

A tough four-run seventh inning soured a strong start for Grady Miller, Thursday. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee AppleSox (8-14), started Thursday night off with a dominant pitching performance, but troubles in the seventh inning allowed the Cowlitz Black Bears (9-13), to get back into the game and eventually win 5-4 in extra innings at Story Field in Longview, Wash. 

The AppleSox were guided for six superb innings by Grady Miller, who used just 53 pitches over the first six frames, only allowing three hits, while striking out four batters and giving up zero walks. 

During the stretch, Wenatchee was hit by pitch five times, and walked four times, while tallying four hits and three runs. 

A throwing error at third base scored Otis Statum in the fourth inning, after he got aboard on a walk and stole second base. Wenatchee led Riley Ohl 1-0 after his 4 1/3 innings of work. 

The AppleSox added two more runs in the sixth inning off of Chandler Greenfield on a sacrifice fly RBI to center field for Shane Martinez and an RBI double for Matt Fraizer. 

Cowlitz knocked Miller out of his groove in the seventh inning after getting a baserunner on an error at first base. A walk set up first and second with nobody out. Weston Hatten then singled to load the bases for the Black Bears. 

A Taylor Yaeger sacrifice fly to center field cut the AppleSox lead to 3-1. Later, a 2-RBI single for Toby Johnson tied the game, and an RBI single for Michael Forgione gave the Bears a 4-3 lead. 

Michael Toglia evened the score in the eighth inning on an RBI ground-rule-double to left field. It scored Matt Fraizer and came earned off of Devon McKesson. 

Tyler Burch and Jake Hawken (1-0), were locked in a pitchers duel for the eighth-11th innings, Thursday. The two went toe-to-toe, continually rolling each half inning over to the opposing team. 

Taylor Borchers relieved Burch in the bottom of the 12th inning, still tied at four. A single for Johnson started the frame off with a runner aboard, and a single and a catcher’s interference loaded the bases after a failed sacrifice bunt attempt resulted in out number one. 

Morgan McCullough drove in the game’s winning run on a ground ball to shortstop that was bobbled by Ryan Kreidler. The AppleSox shortstop successfully relayed the front end of a double play try to second base, but McCullough beat the return throw to first base, to win the game. 

Wenatchee and Cowlitz play game two, Friday night. Ross Clevenger will pitch for the AppleSox at 6:35 p.m. 

HARBOURCATS SWEEP APPLESOX, WIN 17th STRAIGHT

Former AppleSox outfielder AJ Alcantara delivered three of the HarbourCats' six RBI Wednesday night, en route to a 7-6 win at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee AppleSox (8-13), were swept by the Victoria HarbourCats (17-3), in a 7-6 loss Wednesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Wenatchee struck first, Wednesday with two runs in the first inning. Michael Toglia knocked in a runner with an RBI single, following Evan Douglas scoring in the inning on a wild pitch. 

With a 2-0 lead in the second, Justin Blatner ran into a bit of trouble. AJ Alcantara, a former AppleSox outfielder, hit a leadoff solo home run in the second inning, to cut the AppleSox lead to 2-1. Ryan Anderson doubled and came to score on a Blatner error later in the inning. Tommy Jew drove in a third runner for a HarbourCat lead. 

Wenatchee jumped on ‘Cat starter Kyle Mora in the third inning for two runs on a Michael Toglia two-run home run. Ryan Kreidler scored, who was aboard on a walk earlier in the frame. 

Wenatchee cut the deficit to one run with the home run, after Ryan Anderson scored a runner on a sacrifice fly to center field, and Brad Plushkell brought home a runner on an RBI double. 

The score held until the sixth inning, when Wenatchee added another run off of Casey Costello. Haydan Hastings scored on an error by Jew, to tie the game at five. 

Victoria promptly responded with two runs in the seventh inning on a two-RBI single for Alcantara. 

Wenatchee tried to chip away late, scoring Otis Statum on an RBI single in the eighth inning for Shane Martinez, but with a tying run aboard in the ninth, the AppleSox’ tying run was caugh stealing to end the game. 

With the win, Victoria won a 17th-straight game and swept a third-straight series over Wenatchee. The AppleSox continue WCL First Half play at Cowlitz, Thursday, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. 

APPLESOX FENDING OFF SWEEP AT HOME, WEDNESDAY

Justin Blatner (2-0), is gunning for his third AppleSox win, Wednesday. A 5 1/3 inning start will put him onto the WCL leaderboard with what would currently be the league's third-best ERA at 0.77. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs Victoria HarbourCats
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium     |       7:05 p.m.
L- Justin Blatner (2-0) vs. R- Kyle Mora (0-0)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (8-12, 2-6 North), fifth place in the North Division are trying to keep the Victoria HarbourCats (16-3, 8-3 North) from coming up with a third-straight series sweep in the all-time series...Victoria set the WCL consecutive-win record two nights back with its 15th straight......the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (37-42) (.468), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

LAST NIGHT -- APPLESOX 4, HARBOURCATS 9
WENACTHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (8-12), were overpowered by the Victoria HarbourCats (16-3), in a 9-4 loss Tuesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium...the HarbourCats jumped all over Luke Mattson (0-4) in the early innings of the contest...Joe Prior doubled home a run in the first, before three more scored in the second on a Cody Snider double and Jarron Silva triple...the AppleSox got to work in the third inning off of HarbourCat starter Jack Wolger (1-0)...Wolger received little help from his defense in the inning, An error at third base was the ‘Cats third of the game, and prolonged a three-run scoring inning for Wenatchee...Michael Toglia delivered the big punch on an RBI triple...the HarbourCats added two more runs in the fourth inning off of Mattson...off of the relief pitchers, one runner was brought around In the eighth, charged to Eli Thornquist. Miceal Taylor surrendered a two-run home run to Victoria’s Jake Stone...Wenatchee’s other scoring came in the seventh inning. An RBI single for Matt Fraizer brought home Ryan Kreidler to score...Good pitching by Victoria’s bullpen held the Sox out of the contest...Blake Hannah and Cameron Schneider pitched the final three innings, giving up just three hits and the one earned run...with the loss, Wenatchee is 8.5 games back of Victoria in the WCL North, with only seven first half games left to play...mathematically, they will not be able to catch Victoria for a first-half crown. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
OUT
Wenatchee will look to regroup for the second half of WCL play in 2016...the new format could prove quite beneficial for the AppleSox, who started a league-worst 0-7 in 2016...they are playing 8-5 baseball since (.615).

THE ACE
Justin Blatner is trying to prove tonight that he is the AppleSox’ ace up on the hill...the left-hander has won each of his three outings this season (one non-league), which included a win over Corvallis to snap Wenatchee out of the season-opening 7-game losing streak...with an ERA below 1.00, a good start tonight should continue to place Blatner in the conversation for a chance at cracking the North’s All Star roster. 

WHERE HE STACKS UP
Currently, Justin Blatner does not qualify for the league leaderboard (min. .8 inn. per team WCL game), but with a 5.1 inning start tonight, he would fulfill that requirement...his 0.77 ERA would be tied for third-best in the WCL, and tops amongst WCL North pitchers, while also ranking second amongst all left-handers. 

HANDING ‘EM OUT
Last night, the AppleSox gave up a lot of free bases on walks...the nine walks allowed were most since giving up eight at Victoria June 7...Thornquist issued six free passes...Wenatchee has three pitchers ranking in the top-10 for most walks in the WCL, including Thornquist (10), Dobrash (13), and Mattson (13)...the only other team with three pitchers in that top-ten is Cowlitz. 

RUNS
The AppleSox pitching staff is in a major funk...through 20 games, Wenatchee is giving up 5.90 runs per game...the highest total allowed through the first 20 games since 2000 (6.53). 

HARBOURCAT STREAKS
Not only has Victoria won 16-straight WCL games, they also have won 9-consecutive against Wenatchee over the last calendar year (an 11-10 loss in 11 innings at Victoria 6/28/15).

TROUBLE IN GAME THREE
So far this season, Wenatchee is 1-5 in the third and final games of series...twice the AppleSox have tried to fend off sweeps and failed this season. 

THREE-STRAIGHT
A sweep for the HarbourCats tonight would mark the third-straight time they have swept the AppleSox in a series...a feat never accomplished by any AppleSox opponent. 

WITH RUNNERS ON
Opponents are hitting .277 against the AppleSox this season, but once they get a man on base, they ramp it up to a .296 average with four home runs...the AppleSox are hitting .259 with runners on and only two home runs. 

THE BIG THREE
After Victoria’s win last night, there are only three teams in the WCL with all-time above .500 records against the AppleSox (Bend/32-28, Yakima Valley/12-9, Victoria/12-11).