APPLESOX CAN'T BATTLE PAST 'JACKETS PITCHING IN LOSS

The AppleSox were held to just six hits and fell to the Kitsap BlueJackets by four runs, Thursday. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (13-28, 3-11 Second Half), held close to the Kitsap BlueJackets (12-29, 4-10), for much of Thursday night’s contest at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, but fell 6-2, after the BlueJackets took advantage of late-game opportunities.

Kitsap jumped out to an early lead in game two, with Marten Pauwels doubling in the second inning off of Justin Blatner (3-2), and later coming home to score on an Omar Maldanado RBI single. 

The AppleSox responded in the bottom half of the frame, when Michael Toglia led off with a double to tie for the team lead with six on the season. He later came to score on a Haydan Hastings RBI groundout to second base. 

Adam Paulson, making his AppleSox debut alongside Wenatchee native Dalton Harum, entered the contest in relief in the sixth inning, backing Blatner’s three-run effort. He held things scoreless for two frames and Wenatchee got closer in the seventh, after Nick Caudillo (1-1), left the game for Kitsap. 

A Sheldon Liikala RBI single brought home Shane Martinez, who doubled earlier for a 4-2 score, but with runners at the corners and one out, Wenatchee was unable to cash-in further. Joey Angyus, the second reliever of the inning, got the final two outs to hold the score at 4-2. 

Kitsap added two more runs off of Dylan Riddle in the eighth inning, in Riddle’s final slated appearance of the summer. The UC Irvine left-hander reached his summer pitching limit. 

Joe Siegel held on in the ninth for Kitsap, despite allowing two runners on with two outs, and Kitsap secured its first series win over the AppleSox dating back to 2010. 

Game three of the series is Friday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. Mac Lardner (0-2) will make his first 2016 start for the AppleSox.

APPLESOX CONTINUE SET WITH BLUEJACKETS

The AppleSox continue a three-game set with the Kitsap BlueJackets, Thursday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. First pitch will be thrown at 7:05 p.m. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs Kitsap BlueJackets
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium     |       7:05 p.m.  
L- Justin Blatner (3-1) vs. R- Nick Caudillo (0-1)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (13-27, 3-10, 4-8 North), fifth place in the North Division are hosting the Kitsap BlueJackets (11-29, 3-10, 8-13) for a three-game series after the All Star break...Wenatchee lost the first game of the series last night to the BlueJackets and has now lost its last five series openers...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (41-58) (.414), 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, KITSAP 5
WENATCHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (13-27, 3-10 Second Half), struggle to throw strikes late, and fell to the Kitsap BlueJackets (11-29, 3-10), 5-2 in the first game of a three-game series at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Wednesday...the AppleSox walked four batters in the ninth inning, to help spur the BlueJackets to a late run-scoring rally...at first, Wednesday’s contest was all about solid pitching and defense with each team holding the other to four hits through six innings. Neither side had committed an error...with neither offense able to score, Luke Mattson (1-6) and Jake Suddreth (3-3) each earned no decisions...Mattson tossed five innings, while Suddreth lasted 5 2/3...the bullpens kept the game at bay until the eighth inning when Joey Galeno hit a two-run home run over the right field wall against AppleSox reliever Miceal Taylor...it gave the BlueJackets what looked to be plenty of cushion, however in the bottom of the frame, Gerred Smith struggled to locate his pitches...Wenatchee plated two runs, following a one-out double for Ryan Kreidler, after a wild pitch got him in scoring position to score on a passed ball...later in the inning, Michael Toglia scored on a wild pitch to even the score...in the ninth, reliever Tyler Burch (0-2), fell into a similar hole, walking four batters...he allowed three runs on two passed balls, a wild pitch, and a sacrifice fly, and Kitsap was able to walk away with game one, after their closer Bryce Peterson (the game’s starting right fielder), struck out the side in order to complete his victory. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
NUMBER 100
Tonight, AJ Proszek leads the AppleSox out onto the diamond in his 100th career game as the AppleSox head coach...he currently holds a 41-58 head-coaching record with the AppleSox.  

JUST THE FIRST TIME
Wenatchee played its fourth game of the season with a better record than its opponent last night, but Wenatchee lost that matchup for the first time...the AppleSox are now 3-1 in games in which they have a better overall record than their opposition. 

PITCHING STREAK SNAPPED
When Kitsap’s Joey Galeno connected for a two-run home run in the eighth inning last night, the BlueJackets ended a consecutive scoreless innings streak for the AppleSox pitching staff that lasted 20.1 innings, dating back to Saturday’s loss at Yakima Valley...the bullpen also gave up its first run since last Thursday, 

PRE ALL-STAR STUFF
Sunday, the AppleSox completed their pre-All Star portion of the schedule with a 13-26 record, following a game-three win over the Yakima Valley Pippins...Wenatchee is 3-9 in WCL North second-half play. 

ALL STARS
Michael Toglia, Evan Douglas, and Matt Young played in the West Coast League All Star Game at Longview, last night...Toglia finished with one home run in the opening round of the WCL Home Run Derby...the South ended up shutting out the North 4-0...

AGAINST THE SOUTH
From here on out, the AppleSox will play all of their games against WCL North Opponents, with Kitsap marking the final North-South series...Wenatchee is 9-19 this year against the South. 

ONE LEFT
After last night’s game, upcoming opponent, Bellingham, is the only WCL team the AppleSox haven’t played in 2016.

APPLESOX DOWNED IN GAME ONE BY BLUEJACKETS

Wenatchee and Kitsap combined all of the game's seven runs in the last two innings.

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (13-27, 3-10 Second Half), struggle to throw strikes late, and fell to the Kitsap BlueJackets (11-29, 3-10), 5-2 in the first game of a three-game series at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Wednesday.

The AppleSox walked four batters in the ninth inning, to help spur the BlueJackets to a late run-scoring rally.

At first, Wednesday’s contest was all about solid pitching and defense with each team holding the other to four hits through six innings. Neither side had committed an error.

With neither offense able to score, Luke Mattson (1-6) and Jake Suddreth (3-3) each earned no decisions. Mattson tossed five innings, while Suddreth lasted 5 2/3.

The Bullpens kept the game at bay until the eighth inning when Joey Galeno hit a two-run home run over the right field wall against AppleSox reliever Miceal Taylor. It gave the BlueJackets what looked to be plenty of cushion, however in the bottom of the frame, Gerred Smith struggled to locate his pitches.

Wenatchee plated two runs, following a one-out double for Ryan Kreidler, after a wild pitch got him in scoring position to score on a passed ball. Later in the inning, Michael Toglia scored on a wild pitch to even the score.

In the ninth, reliever Tyler Burch (0-2), fell into a similar hole, walking four batters. He allowed three runs on two passed balls, a wild pitch, and a sacrifice fly, and Kitsap was able to walk away with game one, after their closer Bryce Peterson (the game’s starting right fielder), struck out the side in order to complete his victory.

Game two of the series is Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. Justin Blatner (3-1) will get the start for Wenatchee. 

APPLESOX FACE BLUEJACKETS FOR THREE

The AppleSox are back home following the 2016 WCL All Star break to face the Kitsap BlueJackets in a three-game series, starting Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs Kitsap BlueJackets
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium     |       7:05 p.m.  
R- Luke Mattson (1-6) vs. R- Jack Suddreth (2-0)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (13-26, 3-9, 4-8 North), fifth place in the North Division are hosting the Kitsap BlueJackets (10-29, 2-10, 8-13) for a three-game series after the All Star break...Wenatchee played at Kitsap after the All Star break in 2015, and won a three-game series 2-1...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (41-57) (.418), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

SUNDAY - APPLESOX 3, YAKIMA VALLEY 0
YAKIMA –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (13-26, 3-9 Second Half), continued a masterful pitching weekend against the Yakima Valley Pippins (23-16, 8-4), in a 3-0 pre-All Star break victory at County Stadium, Sunday...Ryan Kreidler brought home Matt Fraizer, aboard on a leadoff single, with an RBI groundout...the RBI followed a sac bunt and a wild pitch that put Fraizer in position...later in the top of the first, Michael Toglia doubled home Evan Douglas for the second run of the game. Douglas was on earlier hit by pitch...after back-to-back 1-2-3 innings at the plate, Wenatchee was back at it in the fourth, again, with Douglas scoring on Toglia’s second RBI of the night; a groundout to second base...Douglas opened the inning with a leadoff triple to go 2-for-3 with two runs scored...Toglia extended his lead as the North Division’s top hitter by RBI. He drove in his 24th and 25th runs of the season, Sunday night...Dylan Riddle (1-3) was making his first AppleSox start of the summer, and looked to be in control from the start...he allowed just three hits and ended his five innings with a double play to finish his start on 63 pitches...his bullpen picked up where he left off. Eli Thornquist and Jimmy Dobrash each threw two scoreless innings, and Dobrash picked up his first save, on a weekend when the Wenatchee bullpen didn’t allow a run...defensively, the AppleSox were stout, committing zero errors for just the sixth time this season. Wenatchee is now 4-2 in games in which it does not commit an error

TONIGHT'S NOTES
PRE ALL-STAR STUFF
Sunday, the AppleSox completed their pre-All Star portion of the schedule with a 13-26 record, following a game-three win over the Yakima Valley Pippins...Wenatchee is 3-9 in WCL North second-half play.

ALL STARS
Michael Toglia, Evan Douglas, and Matt Young played in the West Coast League All Star Game at Longview, last night...Toglia finished with one home run in the opening round of the WCL Home Run Derby...the South ended up shutting out the North 4-0...

AGAINST THE SOUTH
From here on out, the AppleSox will play all of their games against WCL North Opponents, with Kitsap marking the final North-South series...Wenatchee is 9-18 this year against the South. 

APPLESOX BLANK PIPPINS, HEAD TO ALL STAR BREAK ON WINNING NOTE

The AppleSox bullpen didn't get charged for a run on the weekend at Yakima Valley, and the AppleSox pitched their way to a third shutout of the season in a 3-0 win. 

BOX SCORE

YAKIMA –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (13-26, 3-9 Second Half), continued a masterful pitching weekend against the Yakima Valley Pippins (23-16, 8-4), tossing their third shutout of the season in a 3-0 pre-All Star break victory at County Stadium, Sunday.

After not scoring an earned run against the Pippins since June 4 in the teams’ season-opening series (28 2/3 innings), the AppleSox jumped out to an early lead on Pippin starter Andrew Bernstein (2-1). Ryan Kreidler brought home Matt Fraizer, aboard on a leadoff single, with an RBI groundout. The RBI followed a sac bunt and a wild pitch that put Fraizer in position. 

Later in the top of the first, Michael Toglia doubled home Evan Douglas for the second run of the game. Douglas was on earlier hit by pitch. 

After back-to-back 1-2-3 innings at the plate, Wenatchee was back at it in the fourth, again, with Douglas scoring on Toglia’s second RBI of the night; a groundout to second base. Douglas opened the inning with a leadoff triple to go 2-for-3 with two runs scored. 

Toglia extended his lead as the North Division’s top hitter by RBI. He drove in his 24th and 25th runs of the season, Sunday night. 

Dylan Riddle (1-3) was making his first AppleSox start of the summer, and looked to be in control from the start. He allowed just three hits and ended his five innings with a double play to finish his start on 63 pitches. 

His bullpen picked up where he left off. Eli Thornquist and Jimmy Dobrash each threw two scoreless innings, and Dobrash picked up his first save, on a weekend when the Wenatchee bullpen didn’t allow a run. 

Defensively, the AppleSox were stout, committing zero errors for just the sixth time this season. Wenatchee is now 4-2 in games in which it does not commit an error. 

The AppleSox will break Monday and Tuesday, while Matt Young, Douglas, and Toglia all head to the West Coast League All Star Game in Longview, Wash. With skipper AJ Proszek. Wenatchee returns to WCL action Wednesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. First pitch against the Kitsap BlueJackets is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. 

APPLESOX WRAP UP PRE-ALL STAR SCHEDULE

Wenatchee completes its pre-All Star schedule Sunday at 5:05 p.m. vs. the Yakima Valley Pippins.

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Yakima Valley Pippins
County Stadium     |       5:05 p.m.  
L- Dylan Riddle (0-3) vs. R- Andrew Bernstein (2-0)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (12-26, 2-9, 4-8 North), fifth place in the North Division are visiting the Yakima Valley Pippins (23-15, 8-3, 12-9) to complete the final portion of the pre-All Star schedule...the AppleSox lost their sixth-consecutive game to Yakima Valley last night...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (40-57) (.412), 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 1, YAKIMA VALLEY 2
YAKIMA –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (12-26, 2-9 Second Half), struggled to get their bats going against the Yakima Valley Pippins (23-15, 8-3), in a 2-1 loss at County Stadium, Saturday...Ross Clevenger (1-3) opened the night, throwing five innings of two-run baseball...the Pippins did reach him for a run in the opening inning on a Jace Van De Brake RBI single...the AppleSox struggled to figure out Tanner Simpson (1-1), who faced the minimum number of batters through five innings...he had given up two hits, but erased both runners on a pick off and a runner caught stealing...Clevenger allowed a second run in the fifth inning, when the Pippins strung together three hits, including an RBI single for Christian Koss...it would end up being the game-winning RBI for Yakima Valley...after Simpson generated six innings of shutout baseball on just two AppleSox hits, the bullpen for the Pippins took over in an up-and-down stint...in the seventh, Matthew Fish retired the Sox in order, but in the eighth, he walked two men with one out, giving way to Ryan Garcia who got a second out, but an error at shortstop allowed Evan Douglas to score from second to cut the deficit to 2-1...the Pippins’ right-hander got out of the eighth with just the one run scoring, and Connor Zwetsch shut down the Sox in the ninth after allowing a tying run into scoring position...Zwetsch struck out the game’s final two batters to pick up his third save...All-Star arm Matt Young did toss a scoreless 1-2-3 inning on nine pitches...Nick Hoefling also threw a scoreless two innings, striking out three batters, while walking two. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
SCORELESS
Wenatchee snapped a 27-inning scoreless streak to the Pippins with Evan Douglas scoring on an E6 in the eighth inning last night...however, Wenatchee hasn’t gotten an earned run off of Yakima Valley since June 4, 2016 (game two of season-opening series) on a ninth-inning RBI walk for Sheldon Liikala...a stretch of 28.1 innings. 

LOWEST OUTPUT
Last night’s two hits was the lowest offensive production for the AppleSox this season, since getting two hits at Bend, June 23...Wenatchee was also held to a 3-hit night against the Elks in a second series in Wenatchee four nights ago. 

GOOD PITCHING
Once again, the AppleSox pitching staff was in a groove Saturday night, following up the scoreless 8 2/3 innings to begin the series two nights ago...in each of Ross Clevenger’s tough three losses this season, he has only allowed an average of 2.3 runs-per-start. 

RIDDLE’S FIRST START
Dylan Riddle, who was exclusively a relief pitcher for the UC Irvine Anteaters in 2016, will get his first start of the summer, tonight...the left-handers longest outing of the season was 3 1/3 innings at home against Gresham two appearances back. 

NOT ABLE TO FIGURE OUT THE PIPPINS
The Yakima Valley Pippins have a 0.59 ERA against the AppleSox in five games in 2016...Wenatchee has only scored seven runs this season against the Pippins, and only three of those runs have been earned....the worst margin against any opponent the AppleSox have played this season...the offense is only hitting .164 off of the Pippins and has tallied just one extra-base hit, and no extra base hits in the current series...again, the worst for the AppleSox against any 2016 opponents. 

ONE-RUN WOES
After last night’s final, the AppleSox are now 2-8 in one run games this season, and 3-15 in games decided by two runs or fewer.

OPPORTUNITIES
It took the AppleSox until the eighth inning last night to get a runner into scoring position against the Yakima Valley Pippins...it came when Evan Douglas was forced to second base on a Taylor Borchers walk. 

APPLESOX FALL IN ANOTHER ONE-RUN GAME

Wenatchee tied its season low with only two hits, Saturday, against the Yakima Valley Pippins. 

BOX SCORE

YAKIMA –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (12-26, 2-9 Second Half), struggled to get their bats going against the Yakima Valley Pippins (23-15, 8-3), in a 2-1 loss to the West Coast League’s leading pitching staff at County Stadium, Saturday.

Again, the AppleSox received a solid pitching performance from their staff. Ross Clevenger (1-3) opened the night, throwing five innings of two-run baseball. The Pippins did reach him for a run in the opening inning on a Jace Van De Brake RBI single. 

The AppleSox struggled to figure out Tanner Simpson (1-1), who faced the minimum number of batters through five innings. He had given up two hits, but erased both runners on a pick off and a runner caught stealing. 

Clevenger allowed a second run in the fifth inning, when the Pippins strung together three hits, including an RBI single for Christian Koss. It would end up being the game-winning RBI for Yakima Valley. 

After Simpson generated six innings of shutout baseball on just two AppleSox hits, the bullpen for the Pippins took over in an up-and-down stint. In the seventh, Matthew Fish retired the Sox in order, but in the eighth, he walked two men with one out, giving way to Friday night’s winning pitcher Ryan Garcia.

Garcia got a second out, but an error at shortstop allowed Evan Douglas to score from second on the play, bringing home an unearned run to cut the deficit to 2-1. 

The Pippins’ right-hander got out of the eighth with just the one run scoring, and Connor Zwetsch shut down the Sox in the ninth after allowing a tying run into scoring position on a batter hit by pitch and wild pitch. Zwetsch struck out the game’s final two batters to pick up his third save. 

The AppleSox bullpen was also impressive, with All-Star arm Matt Young tossing a scoreless 1-2-3 inning on nine pitches. Nick Hoefling also threw a scoreless two innings, striking out three batters, while walking two. 

Wenatchee hasn’t scored an earned run against Yakima Valley since the ninth inning of June 4, in the season-opening series against the Pippins; a span of 28 1/3 innings. 

APPLESOX READY FOR SATURDAY SHOWDOWN

The Yakima Valley Pippins and the Wenatchee AppleSox play for a second time on the weekend, Saturday night at County Stadium.

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Yakima Valley Pippins
County Stadium     |       7:05 p.m.  
R- Ross Clevenger (1-2) vs. R- Tanner Simpson (0-1)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (12-25, 2-8, 4-8 North), fifth place in the North Division are visiting the Yakima Valley Pippins (22-15, 7-3, 12-9) to complete the final portion of the pre-All Star schedule...the AppleSox fell in their second shutout loss to the Pippins on the season and all-time last night...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (40-56) (.417), 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, YAKIMA VALLEY 1
YAKIMA –  Grady Miller threw 8 2/3 innings for Wenatchee AppleSox (12-25, 2-8 Second Half), but it wasn’t enough in a 1-0 loss to the Yakima Valley Pippins (22-15, 7-3), in a tightly contested contest at County Stadium, Friday...both Miller and Pippin starter, Zach Draper were locked in from the start at County Stadium in Yakima...each pitcher threw a scoreless opening eight innings, but reached the ninth following different paths...Draper struk out seven batters en-route to his shutout no-decision, while Miller kept the ball in the field of play, particularly at shortstop, recording ten outs through Ryan Kreidler...notably, the AppleSox squandered scoring opportunities in the fifth and sixth innings with runners in scoring position...the best possible spot to get a run off of Draper came in the sixth inning with runners at the corners and one out...a 1-6-3 double play ended the AppleSox threat...in the ninth inning, with Miller nearing the century mark in pitches, and a runner at first base, the left-hander had to leave the contest with two outs...the Pippins’ next batter was hit by a pitch and Michael FIlia blooped in an RBI single for the Pippins’ game-winning run...Ryan Garcia (3-3), who moved from designated hitter to pitcher in the ninth inning, picked up the win for the Pippins...the loss was charged to Miller, as the runner at second base was his responsibility...Miller only allowed four hits over his innings of work, and held Yakima Valley to just two hits through eight innings...unfortunately, his offense had no answer for the West Coast League’s leading pitcher. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
A SUMMER TO REMEMBER
Since allowing 7 earned runs to the Yakima Valley Pippins in his first start of the summer, June 5, Grady Miller has been the AppleSox’ most consistent starting pitcher...in his next six league starts he has pitched 39.1 innings, allowing only eight earned runs and only an average of 5.3 hits per start....Miller is the AppleSox leader in innings-per-start (6.38), and average pitches-per-start (91.6)...last night he was the definition of a tough-luck losing pitcher, throwing 8.2 innings while allowing only 4 hits and a run that was charged to his line but driven in off of Miceal Taylor. 

STREAKS SNAPPED
Last night, Jordan Rahbone had an on-base streak of 11 games snapped...and before the run came home in the ninth off of Grady Miller, he had thrown 13.2 consecutive-scoreless innings. 

NEEDING THE ‘O’
Wenatchee has been shutout in its last two games versus the Yakima Valley Pippins...the AppleSox have been outscored 12-0 in the contests.

CLOSE GAMES
In the all-time series with the Pippins, 11-of-22 meetings have been decided by two runs or fewer...the AppleSox are 0-2 in one-run games versus Yakima Valley this season...all-time the AppleSox are 2-5 in one run games and 3-1 in games decided by two runs or fewer...a total record of 5-6 in games decided by two runs or less. 

A SLIVER
This year, in 25 total losses, Wenatchee has fallen by two runs or less 17 times...the AppleSox are now 2-7 in one-run games and 1-7 in two-run games after last night...since an 8-2 stretch following a seven-game losing streak to start the season, Wenatchee is 4-16 over its last 20 games, and the 16 losses have been decided by an average of 2.4 runs-per-game. 

LOSING STREAKS
Right now the AppleSox have lost five-straight games to the Pippins, tied for the longest negative streak in the all-time series for the Sox (Aug. 9, 2014-June 25, 2015)...the AppleSox have also lost eight-consecutive games on the road...the team’s longest home/road losing streak of the year. 

PITCHERS' DUEL FALLS PIPPINS' WAY

Grady Miller turned in 8 2/3 innings, before the Yakima Valley Pippins walked off the AppleSox, Friday. 

BOX SCORE

YAKIMA –  Grady Miller (2-2) threw 8 2/3 innings for Wenatchee AppleSox (12-25, 2-8 Second Half), but it wasn’t enough in a 1-0 loss to the Yakima Valley Pippins (22-15, 7-3), in a tightly contested contest at County Stadium, Friday.

Both Miller and Pippin starter, Zach Draper, who leads the WCL in wins and ERA were locked in from the start at County Stadium in Yakima. 

Each pitcher threw a scoreless opening eight innings, but reached the ninth following different paths. Draper struk out seven batters en-route to his shutout no-decision, while Miller kept the ball in the field of play, particularly at shortstop, recording ten outs through Ryan Kreidler. 

Notably, the AppleSox squandered scoring opportunities in the fifth and sixth innings with runners in scoring position. The best possible spot to get a run off of Draper came in the sixth inning with runners at the corners and one out. A 1-6-3 double play ended the AppleSox threat. 

In the ninth inning, with Miller nearing the century mark in pitches, and a runner at first base, the left-hander had to leave the contest with two outs.

The Pippins’ next batter was hit by a pitch and Michael FIlia blooped in an RBI single for the Pippins’ game-winning run. It was a tough loss for the AppleSox, who got their longest start of the season from Miller at 8 2/3 innings, and were shut out for the third time this year. 

The Pippins improved to 4-0 over the AppleSox in 2016, and got the first win of the three-game set at County Stadium. Ryan Garcia (3-3), who moved from designated hitter to pitcher in the ninth inning, picked up the win for the Pippins. The loss was charged to Miller, as the runner at second base was his responsibility. 

Miller only allowed four hits over his innings of work, and held Yakima Valley to just two hits through eight innings. Unfortunately, his offense had no answer for the West Coast League’s leading pitcher. 

Game two of the series is Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Ross Clevenger (1-2) will take to the mound for Wenatchee. 

APPLESOX OPEN WEEKEND SERIES AT YAKIMA VALLEY

The AppleSox and the Yakima Valley Pippins meet tonight to end the pre-All-Star WCL schedule, Friday-Sunday. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Yakima Valley Pippins
County Stadium     |       7:05 p.m.  
L- Grady Miller (2-1) vs. L- Zach Draper (6-0)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (12-24, 2-7, 4-8 North), fifth place in the North Division are visiting the Yakima Valley Pippins (21-15, 6-3, 12-9) to complete the final portion of the pre-All Star schedule...the AppleSox salvaged a game in the three-game series against Bend...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (40-55) (.421), 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, BEND 2
WENATCHEE –  Dominant pitching and solid defense paved the way for the Wenatchee AppleSox (12-24, 2-7 Second Half), past the Bend Elks (15-21, 5-4), to take the final game of the three-game series 4-1 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Thursday...the AppleSox were led from the git-go by Justin Blatner (3-1)...Wenatchee plated its first run of the game in the bottom of the third inning thanks to a hard-hit line drive that Ryan Kreidler hit off the glove of Bend’s third baseman, to plate the Sox first run...Kreidler ended up at second with a go-ahead double...Blatner continued to work the corners of the zone and throw all three pitches for strikes the rest of the night, reaching his average pitch count of 91...his defense also picked him up in the seventh inning, turning a double play to help him get out of the frame...his seven-inning start tied Grady Miller for the AppleSox longest of the season, and the southpaw only gave up four hits...Kreidler added two more RBI prior to Blatner’s seventh inning...one run was allowed to score with two outs in the sixth, due to a throwing error by Bend’s second baseman...Kreidler singled down the left field line to pick up the insurance runs for Wenatchee...his second and third RBI of the game...Dylan Riddle pitched a scoreless eighth inning, aided by his defense’s second double play...Wenatcheee was error-free for the fifth time this season...Tyler Burch threw the ninth inning, and gave up a solo home run after a leadoff out, to break up a 12-consecutive scoreless innings streak dating to June 15. He got the final two outs to secure the win for Wenatchee.

TONIGHT'S NOTES
FOR A SECOND TIME
The AppleSox are hoping the second time is a charm against the Yakima Valley Pippins...the Sox and Pippins met to open the 2016 season, and Yakima Valley swept the series three games to none...only 10 of the AppleSox current roster players saw playing time in the first three-game set against Yakima Valley. 

COMFORTABLE AWAY FROM HOME
Wenatchee has been playing well on the road in the all-time series with the Pippins...despite a 3-9 record against the Pippins in Wenatchee, the AppleSox are 6-3 at County Stadium. 

MILLER’S SECOND OUTING
Grady Miller is making his second start against the Yakima Valley Pippins...he is a quite different pitcher than the last time Yakima Valley faced him...emerging as one of the AppleSox top starters, since giving up 7 earned runs to the Pippins, June 5, Miller has only allowed 7 earned runs over his next five league starts...he has won two games over that span and has not suffered a loss since his outing against the Pippins to start 2016. 

SO CLOSE
Last night, Wenatchee nearly tossed its third shutout of the season...a one-out home run for Bend’s Billy King upended the bid last night and ended reliever, Tyler Burch’s consecutive scoreless innings streak at 12.0 innings.

BLATNER BACK
Justin Blatner threw seven scoreless innings last night and matched Grady Miller for the longest start on the summer for the AppleSox...Miller lasted seven innings in Wenatchee’s second win of the year against the Corvallis Knights, June 12...those shutout innings did lead to one of Wenatchee’s two shutouts on the season. 

OFFENSIVE
Over the last five and ten games, the AppleSox offense has been quiet...the team is hitting just .216 over the last ten games, and .201 over the last five outings. 

BEEN HERE BEFORE
In 2014, before the AppleSox headed to the All Star Break at Klamath Falls, the Sox swept the Yakima Valley Pippins in three games at County Stadium...that year, the teams were both in the WCL East, and Wenatchee used the games to trim a six-game deficit in the division’s second-place slot to just three games...the Pippins went on to win the division in their first franchise season. 

OUTMANNED
In the first meeting with the Yakima Valley Pippins, the AppleSox were outscored 23-6 by the Pippins...Wenatchee will look to show a different offense at County Stadium tonight. 

APPLESOX FUELED BY JUSTIN BLATNER’S STRONG START, WIN 4-1

The AppleSox beat the Bend Elks 4-1, behind strong pitching and timely hitting Thursday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE –  Dominant pitching and solid defense paved the way for the Wenatchee AppleSox (12-24, 2-7 Second Half), past the Bend Elks (15-21, 5-4), to take the final game of the three-game series 4-1 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Thursday.

The AppleSox were led from the git-go by Justin Blatner (3-1). He stifled Bend from the outset, retiring the first 10 batters to face him in the contest. 

Wenatchee plated its first run of the game in the bottom of the third inning thanks to a hard-hit line drive that Ryan Kreidler hit off the glove of Bend’s third baseman, which deflected into foul territory down the left-field line to plate the Sox first run. Kreidler ended up at second with a go-ahead double. 

Blatner continued to work the corners of the zone and throw all three pitches for strikes the rest of the night, reaching his average pitch count of 91. His defense also picked him up in the seventh inning, turning a double play to help him get out of the frame. His seven-inning start tied Grady Miller for the AppleSox longest of the season, and the southpaw only gave up four hits. 

Kreidler added two more RBI prior to Blatner’s seventh inning. One run was allowed to score with two outs in the sixth, due to a throwing error by Bend’s second baseman. Kreidler singled down the left field line to pick up the insurance runs for Wenatchee. His second and third RBI of the game. 

Dylan Riddle pitched a scoreless eighth inning, aided by his defense’s second double play. Wenatcheee was error-free for the fifth time this season. 

Tyler Burch threw the ninth inning, and gave up a solo home run after a leadoff out, to break up a 12-consecutive scoreless innings streak dating to June 15. He got the final two outs to secure the win for Wenatchee. 

The AppleSox are back in action beginning tomorrow night, when they face the Yakima Valley Pippins at County Stadium for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch in Yakima. 

SOX END HOMESTAND VS. BEND, THURSDAY

The AppleSox are looking to end a six-game homestand on a positive note with a win, Thursday night. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs. Bend Elks
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium     |       7:05 p.m.  
L- Justin Blatner (2-1) vs. H- TBA
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (11-24, 1-7, 4-8 North), fifth place in the North Division are at home finishing a six-game homestand against the Bend Elks (16-19, 5-3, 7-8 South)...the AppleSox beat the Elks 2-1 in a series early this year...Wenatchee came up with its second-lowest hit total of the season last night (3)...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (40-54) (.426), 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, BEND 4
WENATCHEE –  A two-run blast wasn’t enough to power the Wenatchee AppleSox (11-24, 1-7 Second Half), past the Bend Elks (15-20, 5-3), in a 4-2 loss at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Wednesday...the AppleSox were held hitless through the first three innings of Wednesday’s contest...meanwhile, Bend built a lead in the first on a run scoring via error and an RBI single for Patrick Flynn...Luke Mattson (1-6) settled down after the first three batters of the night reached base...he retired nine straight...Bend again reached him for two runs in the fourth inning on four hits, including RBI singles for Jared Gonzales and Derek Chapman...Wenatchee answered with its only runs of the night in the bottom half of the inning...following a Ryan Kreidler walk, Toglia delivered the team’s first hit of the game on a deep home run to right field...the two-run shot tied him with Victoria’s Ben Polshuk with the most in the WCL to date...it was the Sox’ ninth home run at home this year, of a WCL third-best 12 total dingers...Wenatchee went quiet the rest of the night, collecting just two more hits off of Kris Jackson (3-2), Bend’s starter...Jackson made it through seven innings, and Wenatchee’s lone other offensive chance came on an Alex Gonzales robbed home run in the eight inning by Flynn...the would-be blast come off of Gerhett Moser, but Flynn brought it back from over the right field fence...Nick Hoefling threw a stellar three innings of scoreless relief for Wenatchee starting in the sixth inning, and the bullpen kept Bend from scoring, but it was too little, too late, for the AppleSox offense.

TONIGHT'S NOTES
TOGLIA ON FIRE
With home runs in each of his last two games, Michael Toglia is now tied for the WCL lead in homers with Ben Polshuk of the Vitroria HarbourCats...each player has hit five homers this year...all of Toglia’s 2016 home runs have been hit at home.

TEAM HOMERS
Wenatchee has done a phenomenal job of hitting home runs this season...with 12, the AppleSox rank third in the West Coast League behind Victoria (20) and Bend (14)...the AppleSox have hit 9-of-12 homers this year out of the confines of Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium...team record for home runs is 25, hit by a 2012 squad that won the WCL Championship.

CAREER HOME RUNS
When Evan Douglas poked a shot over the right field fence in the third inning two nights ago, he moved up a spot on the career home run list (league and nonleague)...he now has eight homers (seven last season) and is tied for third...the leader is Taylor Sparks who hit 10 in 2012.

ANEMIC AS A WHOLE
Last night, outside of Toglia’s home run, the AppleSox only grabbed two other hits...that mark is the second-fewest of the year for Wenatchee...the AppleSox worst offensive performance was a 2-hit night at Bend June 23, when the AppleSox were trying for a sweep.

AVOIDING A SWEEP
The last time the AppleSox were swept at home was June 27-29 against the Victoria HarbourCats...Wenatchee also was swept at home by Yakima Valley to start the season...the AppleSox have been swept five times this season, and never dished out a sweep.

CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR
The AppleSox have lost 24 games this season, and 16 of those games were decided by two runs or fewer...Wenatchee holds a 3-13 records in those games.

TURNING THURSDAY
This has not been a favorable day of the week for the AppleSox in 2016...totaling a 1-6 record, the Sox are playing their worst baseball record-wise on Thursdays.

A TREND
Bend and Wenatchee have met in five games this season, and the Elks hold a 3-2 lead in the series...in all three wins for Bend, they have jumped out to a first-inning lead (1-0, June 23 - 6-0, July 12 - 2-0, July 13)...the AppleSox held one first-inning lead over the Elks this season (1-0, June 22).

GIVING INNINGS
Justin Blatner averages the second-longest outings of the season for Wenatchee, (Grady Miller, 6.0 innings-per-game)...Blatner averages 5.73 innings pitched per start. 

MICHAEL TOGLIA HITS LEAGUE-LEADING FIFTH HOME RUN, APPLESOX FALL

Michael Toglia belted his league-leading fifth home run over the right field fence, Wednesday, but it wasn't enough for an AppleSox offense that mustered just three hits. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE –  A two-run blast wasn’t enough to power the Wenatchee AppleSox (11-24, 1-7 Second Half), past the Bend Elks (15-20, 5-3), in a 4-2 loss at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Wednesday.

The AppleSox were held hitless through the first three innings of Wednesday’s contest. Meanwhile, Bend built a lead in the first on a run scoring via error and an RBI single for Patrick Flynn. 

Luke Mattson (1-6) settled down after the first three batters of the night reached base. He retired nine straight. Bend again reached him for two runs in the fourth inning on four hits, including RBI singles for Jared Gonzales and Derek Chapman. 

Wenatchee answered with its only runs of the night in the bottom half of the inning. Following a Ryan Kreidler walk, Toglia delvered the team’s first hit of the game on a deep home run to right field. The two-run shot tied him with Victoria’s Ben Polshuk with the most in the WCL to date. It was the Sox’ ninth home run at home this year, of a WCL third-best 12 total dingers. 

Wenatchee went quiet the rest of the night, collecting just two more hits off of Kris Jackson (3-2), Bend’s starter. Jackson made it through seven innings, and Wenatchee’s lone other offensive chance came on an Alex Gonzales robbed home run in the eight inning by Flynn. 

The would-be blast come off of Gerhett Moser, but Flynn brought it back from over the right field fence. 

Nick Hoefling threw a stellar three innings of scoreless relief for Wenatchee starting in the sixth inning, and the bullpen kept Bend from scoring, but it was too little, too late, for the AppleSox offense. 

Game three of the series and the finale on the homestand is Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. Justin Blatner (2-1) will pitch for the AppleSox. 

SOX, ELKS BATTLE FOR SEASON SERIES LEAD

The AppleSox and the Elks are tied at 2-2 on the season series in 2016. Wenatchee and Bend meet tonight at 7:05 p.m. for game two of a three-game series. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs. Bend Elks
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium     |       7:05 p.m.  
R- Luke Mattson (1-5) vs. R- TBA
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (11-23, 1-6, 4-8 North), tied for fourth place in the North Division are at home continuing a six-game homestand against the Bend Elks (15-19, 4-3, 7-8 South)...the AppleSox beat the Elks 2-1 in a series early this year...the AppleSox allowed their most runs to an opponent last night...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (40-53) (.430), 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 3, BEND 13
WENATCHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (11-23, 1-6 Second Half), fell behind 6-0 in the first inning and couldn’t fight back against the Bend Elks (14-20, 4-3), in a 13-3 loss at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Tuesday...the Elks jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first inning, with three hits and an error...Taylor Borchers (0-2), making his first AppleSox start, struggled with command, and walked three batters in the opening inning, and threw a total of 45 pitches...Wenatchee got on the board in the third inning on the strength of an Evan Douglas home run. It was Douglas’ first home run of the season after hitting seven last year...the solo shot made the score 6-1...trailing 7-2 in the sixth inning, Michael Toglia hit his team-leading fourth home run of the season...like fellow All Star Douglas, it was a solo home run, and the second of the game for Wenatchee...it came after an RBI single for Matt Fraier in the fifth inning...Bend scored the final 6 runs of the game to win 13-3, including two runs off of Mac Lardner and four runs off of Jimmy Dobrash...the Elks received a good start from Chase Thometz (3-1), who allowed just three runs over seven innings of work.

TONIGHT'S NOTES
CAREER HOME RUNS
Evan Douglas is approaching the AppleSox lead for career home runs after his solo home run last night...the career home run list for the AppleSox includes both league and non-league games...Douglas is now tied for third on the all-time list...Taylor Sparks is the Sox all-time leader with 10 career home runs. 

MORE THAN ONE LEAVING THE YARD
Michael Toglia also bashed a home run last night...it was his fourth of the season and moves him into second in the WCL North and league behind Ben Polshuk of Victoria with 5...last night Toglia became the 14th AppleSox player to hit four or more home runs in a season. 

MATTSON BACK
When Luke Mattson takes the hill, one thing is for certain...he will earn a decision...tonight he is hoping for his second win of the year...in his two best starts, Mattson has pitched six inning, and he’s coming off a 4 1/3 inning no-walk start in a seven-inning game at Corvallis.

NEEDING MORE
It’s been a tough run for the AppleSox offense in 2016...unable to out-hit opponents in 23 games this year...Wenatchee is 3-20 in games in which the opposing team totals more hits. 

MOST AGAINST THEM
Last night’s 13 runs scored by the Bend Elks is the most scored against the AppleSox in 2016...previously, the high was 12, scored by the Yakima Valley Pippins in the season’s opening series. 

BATTLE TESTED
The AppleSox have played a very tough round of opponents in 2016...of the teams Wenatchee has played, the opponents total a 115-109 overall record, in a league that has seen many teams hold strong runs for portions of the season...Yakima Valley, Walla Walla, Victoria, Bellingham, and Gresham have all held first or second-half leads in the WCL this year...neither Victoria, the WCL first-half North Champion, or Corvallis, the WCL second-half champion is leading its respective division currently...in fact, neither team has an above-.500 record. 

ON CASHMERE NIGHT
Assistant Coach of the AppleSox Colton Loomis will surely be celebrated on Cashmere Night...the product of the nearby Central Washington community joined the Cashmere High School baseball team after starting his high school career in Vancouver, Wash...Loomis helped lead the Bulldogs to two state championships, including one during his senior year in which he was also named the 1A/B State Player of the Year by the Washington Baseball Coaches Association...during that senior season, Loomis went 10-0 with a 0.67 ERA and struck out 81 batters.

APPLESOX SUFFER EARLY DEFICIT, FALL TO BEND

Michael Toglia and Evan Douglas (above), each homered Tuesday, but it wasn't enough for the AppleSox in a 13-3 loss. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (11-23, 1-6 Second Half), fell behind 6-0 in the first inning and couldn’t fight back against the Bend Elks (14-20, 4-3), in a 13-3 loss at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Tuesday.

The Elks jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first inning, with three hits and an error. Taylor Borchers (0-2), making his first AppleSox start, struggled with command, and walked three batters in the opening inning, and threw a total of 45 pitches. 

Wenatchee got on the board in the third inning on the strength of an Evan Douglas home run. It was Douglas’ first home run of the season after hitting seven last year. The solo shot made the score 6-1. 
Trailing 7-2 in the sixth inning, Michael Toglia hit his team-leading fourth home run of the season. Like fellow All Star Douglas, it was a solo home run, and the second of the game for Wenatchee. It came after an RBI single for Matt Fraier in the fifth inning. 

Bend scored the final 6 runs of the game to win 13-3, including two runs off of Mac Lardner and four runs off of Jimmy Dobrash. 

The Elks received a good start from Chase Thometz (3-1), who allowed just three runs over seven innings of work. 

The AppleSox and the Elks continue the series, Wednesday. It is Cashmere Night at the ballpark and first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. 

Homestand Continues, Borchers to Make First Start

Taylor Borchers will make his first 2016 start for the AppleSox, Tuesday night, versus the Bend Elks at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs. Bend Elks
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium     |       7:05 p.m.  
R- Taylor Borchers (0-1) vs. R- TBA
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (11-22, 1-5, 4-8 North), tied for fourth place in the North Division are at home continuing a six-game homestand against the Bend Elks (14-19, 3-3, 7-8 South)...the AppleSox beat the Elks 2-1 in a series early this year...the AppleSox got their first second-half win last night...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (40-52) (.435), 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, GRESHAM 4
WENATCHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (11-22, 1-5 Second Half), almost lost a late-inning lead for a third straight game against the Gresham GreyWolves (16-17, 5-1), but stuck together late for a 5-4 win at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Monday...Gresham got off to a lead in its first try for a sweep against the AppleSox all-time, but Wenatchee answered in the third inning with two runs of its own on a Matt Reitano RBI double, and a wild pitch to even the score at 2-2...in the fourth, Sheldon Liikala put the AppleSox ahead with an RBI single, in just his third game back with the team since early June...two more runs added necessary insurance in the bottom of the fifth, when Ryan Kreidler sacrificed home a run a fly ball to center field, and Evan Douglas walked home a run with the bases loaded...the five runs backed up a five-inning start for All-Star pitcher Matt Young (2-0)...Ross Clevenger relieved Young for 3 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and two doubles...he walked four batters, and left the bases loaded with one out in the top of the ninth inning...Miceal Taylor entered the game to preserve an AppleSox would-be win, and earned his first save of the season...he struck out a man with the bases loaded on three pitches, and then faced the man who tied Sunday night’s game in the ninth, setting up a Gresham extra-inning win...this time, Josh Adams wouldn’t get a chance to tie the score for Gresham. On a 2-1 wild pitch that got past the catcher Alex Gonzales, Dylan Doherty tried to score from third, but was caught back at the plate on a flip to his pitcher Taylor. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
OLD-SCHOOL REMATCH
Did you know that the Wenatchee AppleSox and the Bend Elks met for the 2010 WCL Championship?...the AppleSox won the series two games to one. 

A WIN IS A WIN... 
Last night, the AppleSox won on a walkoff wild pitch that resulted in a runner being tossed out at home plate...with the victory, Wenatchee is 2-7 in one-run games...and now 3-12 in games decided by two runs or fewer.

A RARITY
The AppleSox won last night for just the third time while being out-hit by an opponent...Gresham tallied seven hits to Wenatchee’s six...the AppleSox are now 3-19 in games in which they are out-hit by their opponent.

MAKING HIS FIRST START
Taylor Borchers made his first appearance at second base this week...now he will make his first start for the Wenatchee AppleSox tonight...Borchers has been a reliever in four games, throwing a nice 7:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio over nine innings. 

MONDAY, MONDAY
Last night marked Wenatchee’s first Monday win of the season...it was the final day of the week on the calendar that the AppleSox hadn’t grabbed a win...more good news is, Tuesday is the AppleSox best day of the week, and the only day the Sox have an above-.500 record. 

SHARING THE WEALTH
Everybody who has pitched out of Wenatchee’s bullpen has earned a save this season, with the exception of long-reliever Eli Thornquist...the AppleSox are 9-10 in save opportunities and Nick Hoefling is the team’s save leader with two saves. 

FIRST WIN AGAINST DIVISION LEADER
Last night, Wenatchee played a North/South Division leader for a 12th time this season...picking up the team’s first win against a division leader...0-3 vs. the North...1-8 vs. the South. 

PITCHING BETTER IN JULY
The AppleSox are improving steadily across the board in pitching approach for the month of July...the team has a 3.59 ERA in July as opposed to 4.60 in the month of June. 

APPLESOX CLING TO LATE LEAD, WIN ON FINAL PLAY

The AppleSox caught a runner at the plate trying to score on a wild pitch to win Monday's series finale versus the Gresham GreyWolves, 5-4. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (11-22, 1-5 Second Half), almost lost a late-inning lead for a third straight game against the Gresham GreyWolves (16-17, 5-1), but stuck together late for a 5-4 win at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Monday.

After leading by three runs after five innings, Wenatchee saw its lead trickle away late, but with the bases loaded in the ninth inning, a wild pitch relayed back to the plate was in time for the game’s final out. 

Gresham got off to a lead in its first try for a sweep against the AppleSox all-time, but Wenatchee answered in the third inning with two runs of its own on a Matt Reitano RBI double, and a wild pitch to even the score at 2-2. 

In the fourth, Sheldon Liikala put the AppleSox ahead with an RBI single, in just his third game back with the team since early June. Two more runs added necessary insurance in the bottom of the fifth, when Ryan Kreidler sacrificed home a run a fly ball to center field, and Evan Douglas walked home a run with the bases loaded. 

Wenatchee walked 10 times in the game; a new single-game high for the team. The five runs backed up a five-inning start for All-Star pitcher Matt Young (2-0). He threw five innings, giving up two runs on three hits, with only one of the runs coming earned. 

Ross Clevenger relieved Young for 3 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and two doubles. He walked four batters, and left the bases loaded with one out in the top of the ninth inning. 

Miceal Taylor entered the game to preserve an AppleSox would-be win, and earned his first save of the season. He struck out a man with the bases loaded on three pitches, and then faced the man who tied Sunday night’s game in the ninth, setting up a Gresham extra-inning win. 

This time, Josh Adams wouldn’t get a chance to tie the score for Gresham. On a 2-1 wild pitch that got past the catcher Alex Gonzales, Dylan Doherty tried to score from third, but was caught back at the plate on a flip to his pitcher Taylor. 

Gonzales had entered in the fourth inning as a replacement for Matt Retiano, and made the heads-up play to save a win for Wenatchee. 

A six-game homestand continues Tuesday against the Bend Elks. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. 

APPLESOX SEEKING FIRST SECOND-HALF WIN

The AppleSox wrap up a series with the Gresham GreyWolves, Monday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs. Gresham GreyWolves
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium     |       7:05 p.m.  
L- Matt Young (1-0) vs. R- Donavon Ramirez (2-1)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-22, 0-5, 4-8 North), fifth place in the North Division are at home continuing a six-game homestand against the Gresham GreyWolves (16-16, 5-0, 7-8 South)...the AppleSox beat the GreyWolves 2-1 in a series early this year...Wenatchee is the last WCL team left without a win in the second half...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (39-52) (.429), 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 3, GRESHAM 4 (11 innings)
WENATCHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-22, 0-5 Second Half), were headed to a first second-half win, but the Gresham GreyWolves (16-16, 5-0), rallied late for a 4-3 11-inning win at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Sunday...Josh Adams singled home Konnor Zickefoose for an early Gresham advantage...Taylor Borchers doubled into right-center field to put the AppleSox ahead 2-1 in the second...again, Wenatchee scored a third unearned run off of Shoup in the fifth on an RBI groundout for Ryan Kreidler...from that point on, the AppleSox offense was quiet, but continued to lead following a six-inning start by Grady Miller...it was Miller’s third quality start of the season, and he only allowed the one run in the second inning...Nick Hoefling took over in the seventh inning, while Shoup threw seven frames for his quality start...Hoefling struggled, walking three batters, and a run came to score off of him in the eighth inning on an error at second base...Dylan Riddle (0-3) entered in the eighth with the bases loaded and two outs. He struck out a batter to preserve Wenatchee’s 3-2 advantage...in the ninth, Gresham tied the game on Adams’ second RBI of the game. It came with two outs on an 0-1 pitch and Adams singled the run in on a broken bat single to left-center field...the score stayed tied into the eleventh inning, when Ryan Rodriguez led off with a triple for Gresham...Ryan Smith brought him home on a sac fly RBI to right field...Michael Clark relieved Brett Gannaway (1-1), who tossed three scoreless innings. Clark earned the save (2), striking out two of the three batters he faced. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
APPLESOX NAMED TO 2016 ALL STAR GAME
Michael Toglia, Evan Douglas, and Matt Young will each make their first West Coast League All Star appearances, League President Donnie Marbut announced, Monday... Toglia has hit for a league top-25 .283 batting average...the power hitter is tied with Jordan Rathbone, another AppleSox player, for most triples in the West Coast League, at four...Toglia is tied for third in home runs with three, and leads the WCL North division with 20 RBI...that number ranks second amongst all league hitters... Douglas is the team’s leading hitter for most of the first half, Douglas ranks second on the club in doubles with five...he is tied for third on the team with 26 hits...Young holds the lowest ERA of all AppleSox starters in 2016...he trades starts with Ross Clevenger each week, and will be Wenatchee’s starting pitcher Monday night vs. Gresham...he holds a team-best strikeout to walk ratio at 3.6:1, averages over 10 strikeouts per nine innings pitched, also a team-best mark...over 24 1/3 innings, he has accumulated a 1-0 record and has allowed only 20 hits, the lowest of all starting pitchers.

TWO-SIDED
Pitcher for the AppleSox are striking out opposing batters at a rate of 7.66 times per game, which ranks fourth-best in the West Coast League...although, AppleSox batters are striking out 8.38 time per game...the most in the West Coast League.

WHAT HURTS THE MOST
Last night, Wenatchee let a good start from Grady Miller slip away...the Sox lost a ninth-inning lead for the first time thisyear in the team’s first blown save...Wenatchee is now 9-1 when leading in a game after eight innings...the AppleSox have lost nine games this season in which they previously held leads.

THE ONLY ONE
As it was in the first half of the season, the AppleSox are the only team left winless in the WCL second half.

FIRST SERIES WIN
Last night, Gresham picked up its first series win over Wenatchee all-time...tonight the GreyWolves will try for their first sweep.

SINGLES
Wenatchee posted no more than one hit in each of its offensive innings a night ago.

WINLESS AGAINST LEADERS
The AppleSox are now 0-8 against teams leading the WCLSouth and 0-3 against teams leading the WCL North...now 0-11 against teams leading a WCL division this year. 

TOGLIA, DOUGLAS, AND YOUNG NAMED WCL ALL STARS

Three AppleSox players will represent Wenatchee in the 2016 West Coast League All Star Game, to be played at Longview, Tuesday June 19. The Cowlitz Black Bears will host. 

WENATCHEE – Michael Toglia, Evan Douglas, and Matt Young will each make their first West Coast League All Star appearances, League President Donnie Marbut announced, Monday, along with the rest of the North and South All Star rosters. 

Toglia headlines the three AppleSox players selected. A freshman from UCLA, Toglia has hit for a league top-25 .283 batting average. The power hitter is tied with Jordan Rathbone, another AppleSox player, for most triples in the West Coast League, at four. Toglia is tied for third in home runs with three, and leads the WCL North division with 20 RBI. That number ranks second amongst all league hitters. 

Douglas, a junior who will play at Lewis-Clark State, has continued to be a consistent hitter for the AppleSox. The team’s leading hitter for most of the first half, Douglas ranks second on the club in doubles with five. He is tied for third on the team with 26 hits. 

Young, the only pitcher selected from Wenatchee and a junior headed to Nevada (Reno), holds the lowest ERA of all AppleSox starters in 2016. He trades starts with Ross Clevenger each week, and will be Wenatchee’s starting pitcher Monday night vs. Gresham. He holds a team-best strikeout to walk ratio at 3.6:1. He averages over 10 strikeouts per nine innings pitched, also a team-best mark. Over 24 1/3 innings, he has accumulated a 1-0 record and has allowed only 20 hits, the lowest of all starting pitchers. 

The WCL's annual showcase is set for Tuesday, July 19 at David Story Field in Longview, Washington. First pitch is set for 7:05 pm. As in past years, a Home Run Derby will be held prior to the game. For the first time, an area high school player will join the field of WCL sluggers. Last night, the Black Bears held a qualifying Home Run Derby where they invited local area high school talent to slug it out for a coveted spot in the WCL All-Star Game HR Derby. Kelso High School's Zach Threlfall was the winner.

The North team will be managed by Bryan Donohue of Kelowna and the South by Cowlitz skipper Grady Tweit.

This year's North and South rosters feature 15 prospects from the Pac-12. Bellingham and Victoria each led the North with six players selected. Corvallis also had six players selected to lead the South division.

NORTH

1B - Jake Veith of Gonzaga (Bellingham Bells)
2B - Griffin Andreychuk of Seattle (Victoria HarbourCats)
SS - Andru Cardenas of Chico State (Bellingham Bells)
3B - Danny Casals of Maine (Bellingham Bells)
C - Willie MacIver of Washington (Walla Walla Sweets)
C - Brendt Citta of San Jose City College (Kelowna Falcons) 
UTL - Nick Nyquist of Gonzaga (Walla Walla Sweets)
UTL - Evan Douglas of Lewis-Clark State (Wenatchee AppleSox)
OF - Ben Polshuk of Cal Poly (Victoria HarbourCats)
OF - Jarron Silva of UCLA (Victoria HarbourCats)
OF - Shane Hanon of Edmonds CC (Bellingham Bells)
OF - Michael Toglia of UCLA (Wenatchee AppleSox)
P - Austin Dondanville of Cal Poly (Victoria HarbourCats)
P - Bobby Ay of Cal Poly (Walla Walla Sweets)
P - Jared Horn of Cal (Bellingham Bells)
P - Will McAffer of South Dakota State (Victoria HarbourCats)
P - Easton Lucas of Pepperdine (Walla Walla Sweets)
P - Joey Matulovich of Cal (Bellingham Bells)
P - Matt Young of Nevada-Reno (Wenatchee AppleSox)
P - Jared Morton of UC Riverside (Kelowna Falcons)
P - Josh Mitchell of Pittsburgh (Victoria HarbourCats)

SOUTH

1B - Tommy Lane of Marshall (Bend Elks)
2B - George Mendazona of Oregon State (Bend Elks)
SS - Andy Atwood of Oregon State (Corvallis Knights)
3B - Kenyon Yovan of Oregon (Cowlitz Black Bears)
C - Chris Ceballos of Cal State Fullerton (Yakima Valley Pippins)
C - Louis Wolf of OIT (Bend Elks)
UTL - Mitchell Morimoto of Arizona (Yakima Valley Pippins)
UTL - Adley Rutschman of Oregon State (Corvallis Knights)
OF - Jeffrey Mitchell, Jr. of Cal (Gresham GreyWolves)
OF - Kyle Nobach of Oregon State (Corvallis Knights)
OF - Ryan Smith of Southern Illinois (Gresham GreyWolves)
OF - Weston Hatten of Washington State (Cowlitz Black Bears)
P - Zach Draper of College of Idaho (Yakima Valley Pippins)
P - Cameron Bishop of UC Irvine (Corvallis Knights)
P - Ryley Widell of Central Arizona College (Corvallis Knights)
P - Sam Boone of Youngstown State (Bend Elks)
P - Riley Newman of Linfield  (Bend Elks)
P - Chase Kaplan of Kansas (Corvallis Knights)
P - Trenton Dupre of Washington State (Corvallis Knights)
P - Parker McFadden of Washington State (Cowlitz Black Bears)
P - Jake Brewer of Concordia (Kitsap BlueJackets)

APPLESOX LOSE LATE LEAD, FALL IN EXTRAS

The AppleSox couldn't hold a ninth-inning lead and didn't take advantage of Grady Miller's third quality start of the summer in a 4-3 extra-inning loss. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee AppleSox (10-22, 0-5 Second Half), were headed to a first second-half win, but the Gresham GreyWolves (16-16, 5-0), rallied late for a 4-3 11-inning win at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Sunday. 

The AppleSox fell behind early when Josh Adams singled home Konnor Zickefoose for an early Gresham advantage. 

Aaron Shoup began his strong start with two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit. In the third inning, Wenatchee’s second hit of the game brought home two runs. Taylor Borchers doubled into right-center field to put the AppleSox ahead 2-1. The runs came unearned following an error. 

Again, Wenatchee scored a third unearned run off of Shoup in the fifth on an RBI groundout for Ryan Kreidler. 

From that point on, the AppleSox offense was quiet, but continued to lead following a six-inning start by Grady Miller. It was Miller’s third quality start of the season, and he only allowed the one run in the second inning. 

Nick Hoefling took over in the seventh inning, while Shoup threw seven frames for his quality start. Hoefling struggled, walking three batters, and a run came to score off of him in the eighth inning on an error at second base. 

Dylan Riddle (0-3) entered in the eighth with the bases loaded and two outs. He struck out a batter to preserve Wenatchee’s 3-2 advantage. 

In the ninth, Gresham tied the game on Adams’ second RBI of the game. It came with two outs on an 0-1 pitch and Adams singled the run in on a broken bat single to left-center field. 

The score stayed tied into the eleventh inning, when Ryan Rodriguez led off with a triple for Gresham. Ryan Smith brought him home on a sac fly RBI to right field. Michael Clark relieved Brett Gannaway (1-1), who tossed three scoreless innings. Clark earned the save (2), striking out two of the three batters he faced. 

The series wraps up Monday night at 7:05 p.m., and Matt Young (1-0) will pitch for the AppleSox.