APPLESOX GO FOR SERIES WIN, WEDNESDAY

The Wenatchee AppleSox and Walla Walla Sweets meet Wednesday for a game that could win Wenatchee both the current and season series over the Sweets.

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Walla Walla Sweets
Borleske Stadium |       7:05 p.m.  
L- Grady Miller (3-3) vs. L- Easton Lucas (6-2)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-31, 8-14, 8-11 North), fifth place in the North Division are visiting the Walla Walla Sweets (26-23, 11-11, 7-12) in a near must-win game for Walla Walla’s playoff hopes...Wenatchee played Walla Walla earlier this season in a three-game set, winning two of the three games...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (48-63) (.432), 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 6, WALLA WALLA 4
WALLA WALLA –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-31, 8-14 second half), fought back from a 4-1 deficit to win 6-4 Tuesday night at the Walla Walla Sweets (26-23, 11-11)...Wenatchee utilized a five-run sixth inning and also dialed up a game-winning 6-3 double play...the AppleSox scored first Tuesday, on a two-out double for Jordan Rathbone in the second inning against starter Bobby Ay (1-3)...the Sweets responded with two runs of their own in the second on a suicide squeeze, executed to perfection to score two runs...Walla Walla tried another suicide squeeze in the inning that was failed and resulted in a frame-ending double play...the Sweets added two more runs against Mac Lardner (2-2), in the third and fourth inning on Nick Nyquist’s second double of the game and a solo home run for Nick Vigo...Lardner’s offense got him the runs back in the sixth inning, bringing 11 batters to the plate, while loading the bases on two singles and a walk against Ay...Michael Toglia doubled home two runs on a single, and re-tied himself for the WCL RBI lead at 37...another single allowed by Ay reloaded the bases. and he walked home the tying run...Ay and AJ Carkner each walked and hit a batter for a 6-4 Sox lead...Lardner pitched a 1-2-3 sixth, before Adam Paulson took over in relief for the third time this summer, and retired an additional six in a row in the seventh and eighth innings...in the ninth, Walla Walla threatened against Paulson with a single, a balk, and another single, around a groundout to third base...with runners at the corners and one out, Paulson induced a game-winning 6-3 double play. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
SEASON-SERIES WIN
Wenatchee has tied in season series play (3-3) with three teams this season (Gresham, Kelowna, Bend)...with a win tonight, the AppleSox would guarantee no worse than a 4-2 season finish against Walla Walla, with an additional chance to win a season series against Bellingham this coming weekend (Sox lead series currently: 2-1). 

STREAKY
Michael Toglia has been having a successful offensive season, and hasn’t slipped under the radar with a nine-game hitting streak that ties for the teams’ longest of the season...Toglia’s streak started July 23 against the Kitsap BlueJackets...Evan Douglas also hit safely in nine-straight games, June 4-22 earlier this season. 

ODDITIES
Last night, Wenatchee won just its fifth game when being out-hit by its opponent (5-26), and only its third game when the opposition homers (3-11)...the AppleSox also won a two-run game for just the second time this season (2-9 in two-run games, 4-17 in games decided by two-or-fewer runs). 

MILLER’S FINAL START?
Tonight could be Grady Miller’s final start of 2016...emerging as the AppleSox ace this season, Miller has thrown at least seven innings in each of his last three starts, but has been charged with a loss in two of those three outings, despite only allowing an average of 1.67 earned runs-per-outing over the three-game stretch...Miller averages 6.52 innings-per-start, much higher than the second-best AppleSox pitcher, Justin Blatner at 5.83. 

COMEBACK
The AppleSox came-from-behind for a seventh time in 2016 last night.

NO ‘L’ IN LARDNER
After last night’s start, in three starting outings for the AppleSox, Mac Lardner has not recorded a loss...the AppleSox also have not lost as a team in any of his starts, with a team record of 3-0.

WENATCHEE COMES FROM BEHIND, WINS GAME ONE AT WALLA WALLA

The Wenatchee AppleSox defeated the Walla Walla Sweets in come-from-behind fashion, Tuesday, behind a five-run sixth inning.

BOX SCORE

WALLA WALLA –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (18-31, 8-14 second half), fought back from a 4-1 deficit to win 6-4 Tuesday night at the Walla Walla Sweets (26-23, 11-11), in an important game for the Sweets’ 2016 playoff hopes. 

Wenatchee utilized a five-run sixth inning to complete a stellar comeback, and also dialed up a game-winning 6-3 double play to put an end to the Sweets’ comeback hopes in the ninth inning.

The AppleSox scored first Tuesday, on a two-out double for Jordan Rathbone in the second inning. It was all that Sweet starter Bobby Ay (1-3) would give up until a disastrous sixth. 

The Sweets responded with two runs of their own in the second on a suicide squeeze, executed to perfection to score two runs. Walla Walla tried another suicide squeeze in the inning that was failed and resulted in a frame-ending double play. 

The Sweets added two more runs against Mac Lardner (2-2), in the third and fourth inning on Nick Nyquist’s second double of the game and a solo home run for Nick Vigo. 

Lardner’s offense got him the runs back in the sixth inning, bringing 11 batters to the plate, while loading the bases on two singles and a walk against Ay. Michael Toglia doubled home two runs on a single, and re-tied himself for the WCL RBI lead at 37. 

Another single allowed by Ay reloaded the bases, before he proceeded to walk home a run and hit a batter by a pitch to tie the game at 4-4. 

The Sweets called on their bullpen, but AJ Carkner also walked and hit a batter to force home two more earned runs against Ay, and give Wenatchee a 6-4 lead. Ay allowed a season-high six earned runs, and Wenatchee is the only team to score three or more runs off him this season. 

Lardner pitched a 1-2-3 sixth, before Adam Paulson took over in relief for the third time this summer, and retired an additional six in a row in the seventh and eighth innings. 

in the ninth, Walla Walla threatened against Paulson with a single, a balk, and another single, around a groundout to third base. With runners at the corners and one out, Paulson induced a game-winning 6-3 double play to Ryan Kreidler at shortstop. Kreidler stepped on the bag for one, and threw to first to secure the series-opening win for Wenatchee and Paulson’s second save. It was Wenatchee’s seventh come-from-behind win of the season. 

Game two is Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m., and Grady Miller (3-3) will pitch for Wenatchee. 

SOX OPEN FINAL ROAD TRIP AT WALLA WALLA

Today the AppleSox hit the road to take on the Walla Walla Sweets in the final road trip of their 2016 season. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Walla Walla Sweets
Borleske Stadium |       7:05 p.m.  
L- Mac Lardner (1-2) vs. R- Bobby Ay (1-2)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (17-31, 7-14, 7-11 North), fifth place in the North Division head to the Walla Walla Sweets (26-22, 11-10, 7-11) for the final road trip of the 2016 season...Wenatchee played Walla Walla earlier this season in a three-game set, winning two of the three games...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (47-63) (.427), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

SUNDAY NIGHT - APPLESOX 5, ALASKA 9
WENATCHEE –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (4-1, nonleague), committed five errors and faltered in the third and final game of a set with the Alaska Goldpanners, falling 9-5 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Sunday night....a wild pitch scored one run in the second inning off of Luke Mattson, and later in the frame, a second error at shortstop netted two more runs...Wenatchee answered in the second inning with two runs on Goldpanner miscues...a passed ball and an error by the catcher brought home both runs...Zach Place made it just 2 1/3 innings for the Goldpanners, and reliever Mitch Hayes gave up a double to center field for Evan Douglas in the fourth inning that tied the game...Mattson’s fifth and final inning yielded a solo home run to Justin Harrer...again, Wenatchee answered in the home half, tying the game on an error at second base, on a two-out bases loaded hit...Harrer again came up in the clutch for Alaska, hitting an RBI single to score Dustin Woody, who was aboard earlier on a single...the run came off of Nick Hoefling, who has the longest active league consecutive scoreless inning streak for Wenatchee...again, the Goldpanners hit Hoefling for three more runs in the eighth on another error at second base...Wenatchee came back with one run in the eighth inning to make the score 8-5. Michael Toglia, who doubled with one out in the frame scored on an error at second base. Like the AppleSox, Alaska committed five errors...Alaska added some extra insurance in the ninth, with one more run scoring via an error, following a leadoff triple for Kevin Connolly in the inning. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
WHATS UP AT BORLESKE?
Games played between the AppleSox and the Walla Walla Sweets have been quite exciting lately...from July 14, 2014 to July 2, 2015, seven of the nine meetings in Walla Walla were decided by one run...none of the games were decided by more than three runs...Wenatchee was 1-6 in the one-run games and three of them went to extra innings (1-2)...in 3-of-6 games last season at Borleske Stadium, Wenatchee was walked off by the Sweets. 

LARDNER FINDING RHYTHM
Mac Lardner is finding his mojo in the AppleSox starting roTation...he is averaging 1.5 runs allowed per each of his average 5 1/3 inning starts.

BATS POPPING
The Wenatchee AppleSox have hit home runs in four of their last five league games, including two over that stretch for WCL home-run leader Michael Toglia. 

THE MATH
If Bellingham or Victoria wins one game during the next week, the AppleSox will officially be mathematically eliminated from the WCL playoff picture.

TOUGH STAFF TO FACE
Wenatchee will face three starting pitchers with below-3 ERAs this week in Ay, Lucas (WCL All Star), and Murphy.

APPLESOX FALL IN MESSY GAME THREE WITH ALASKA

The AppleSox committed five errors and gifted runs in a game-three loss to Alaska. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (4-1, nonleague), committed five errors and faltered in the third and final game of a set with the Alaska Goldpanners, falling 9-5 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Sunday night. 

In the second inning, AppleSox starter Luke Mattson was in an early hole, after an error and a single put runners aboard. A wild pitch scored one run in the inning, and later in the frame, a second error at shortstop netted two more runs. 

Wenatchee answered in its half of the second inning with two runs on Goldpanner miscues. A passed ball and an error by the catcher brought home both runs. 

Zach Place made it just 2 1/3 innings for the Goldpanners, and reliever Mitch Hayes gave up a double to center field for Evan Douglas in the fourth inning that tied the score at 3-3. 

Luke Mattson’s fifth and final inning yielded a solo home run to Justin Harrer; a solo shot to left field to put Alaska up 4-3. 

Again, Wenatchee answered in the home half, tying the game on an error at second base, on a two-out bases loaded hit. 

With the night turned over to the bullpens, things stayed scoreless until the seventh inning. Harrer again came up in the clutch for Alaska, hitting an RBI single to score Dustin Woody, who was aboard earlier on a single. The run came off of Nick Hoefling, who has the longest active league consecutive scoreless inning streak for Wenatchee. 

Again, the Goldpanners hit Hoefling for three more runs in the eighth inning on another AppleSox error at second base, set up by a double to start the inning. 

Wenatchee came back with one run in the eighth inning to make the score 8-5. Michael Toglia, who doubled with one out in the frame scored on an error at second base. Like the AppleSox, Alaska committed five errors. 

Alaska added some extra insurance in the ninth, with one more run scoring via an error, following a leadoff triple for Kevin Connolly in the inning. 

The AppleSox have Monday off and are back in action Tuesday night at Walla Walla at 7:05 p.m.

SOX GO FOR PERFECT NON-LEAGUE RECORD

Luke Mattson and the AppleSox are looking to sweep the Alaska Goldpanners, Sunday.

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs. Alaska Goldpanners
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium |       6:05 p.m.  
R- Luke Mattson vs. TBA
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (17-31, 7-14, 7-11 North), fifth place in the North Division welcome the Alaska Goldpanners to Wenatchee for the first time in the two teams’ playing history...the three-game series is the AppleSox final in non-league play this season...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (47-62) (.431), 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, ALASKA 2
WENATCHEE –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (4-0, nonleague), were guided from seven strong innings from Matt Young in a 3-2 win against the Alaska Goldpanners at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Saturday night...for Matt Young it was his fourth total win of the summer...the AppleSox scored first in the third inning, using small ball to plate a run...Evan Douglas led off the inning, hit by a pitch and a single and sacrfice set up a sacrifice fly for Taylor Borchers that brought home the game’s first run...in the fourth inning, Kevin Connolly drove home a run for the Alaska Goldpanners to tie the game 1-1...Justin Harrer scored unearned, and was aboard on an error at shortstop earlier in the inning...Young recovered with 1-2-3 innings in the fifth and sixth, while retiring seven-straight batters...meanwhile Wenatchee got him the lead he needed with an RBI single from Borchers in the fifth, and an RBI bases-loaded walk for Sheldon Liikala in the sixth...he Goldpanners’ starter, Phil Trujillo worked two scoreless innings, and reliever Alex Torson was tabbed the losing decision, giving up all of the AppleSox runs...n the seventh, Alaska made things interesting with a fielder’s choice RBI with the bases loaded for Dustin Woody...Tony Contonio pitched the eighth and the ninth innings for the AppleSox, after pitching for the AppleSox all summer in 2015...Contonio gave up one leadoff single in the eighth, but came back with a flyout and inning-ending 1-6-3 double play...in the ninth, he retired the Goldpanners in order, and got some great defensive help from Sheldon Liikala on the game’s final out, with Liikala jumping on the track.

TONIGHT'S NOTES
YOUNG’S LONGEST START
Last night, Matt Young fired seven innings for the AppleSox, allowing only two runs, one of which was earned. Before last night’s game, Young’s inning high was five frames, which he tossed four separate times during the season. Young tossed four 1-2-3 innings over his seven innings of work, and retired seven batters in a row at one point. He also threw seven strikeouts without issuing a walk. 

CONTONIO BACK
Tony Contonio returned to the AppleSox last night after pitching in relief throughout the 2015 season. After giving up a leadoff single, Contonio retired the next two batters in the eight inning with a flyout and an inning-ending double play. Contonio retired the Goldpanners 1-2-3 in the ninth inning, for the Sox fifth 1-2-3 inning of the night. For Contonio, it was his first positive decision for the AppleSox in over a year, marking his first career Wenatchee save, after going 0-5 last season. Contonio became the 36th player to suit up for the AppleSox, and 16th pitcher. 

LOW NUMBER WINS
Last night, the AppleSox scored their fewest number of runs in a non-league game since June 9, 2013 in a 10-2 loss to the Everett Merchants...the last time the AppleSox scored three-or-fewer runs and won a non-league game was June 8, 2013, also against the Everett Merchants. 

WALK IT OUT
Ryan Kreidler has walked six times in the series against the Alaska Goldpanners. 

LIIKALA LOVING IT
Sheldon Liikala is enjoying a nice series for Wenatchee. The outfielder is 7-for-8 with four walks and two RBI. 

LEFT ON
Despite leaving an additional 12 batters on base, the AppleSox were able to pull out a victory last night. 

YOUNG STRONG, APPLESOX WIN CLOSE ONE

The Wenatchee AppleSox won 3-2, Saturday, behind seven innings from Matt Young and a stellar first outing back for 2015 relief pitcher, Tony Contonio. 

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (4-0, nonleague), were guided from seven strong innings from Matt Young in a 3-2 win against the Alaska Goldpanners at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Saturday night. 

With his innings count taken off for the non-league contest, Young tossed his longest outing of 2016, after previously working five innings in five starts. For Young it was his fourth total win of the summer, but will not count towards his WCL total. 

The AppleSox scored first in the third inning, using small ball to plate a run. Evan Douglas led off the inning, hit by a pitch and then Sheldon Liikala delivered a bunt single to put runners at first and second. A successful sacrifice bunt by Dalton Harum set runners up at second and third with one out. 

A sacrifice fly for Taylor Borchers brought home the game’s first run. It was the first of two RBIs for Borchers on the night. 

In the fourth inning, Kevin Connolly drove home a run for the Alaska Goldpanners to tie the game 1-1. Justin Harrer scored unearned, and was aboard on an error at shortstop earlier in the inning. 

Matt Young recovered with 1-2-3 innings in the fifth and sixth, while retiring seven-straight batters. Meanwhile Wenatchee got him the lead he needed with an RBI single from Borchers in the fifth, and an RBI bases-loaded walk for Sheldon Liikala in the sixth. 

The Goldpanners’ starter, Phil Trujillo worked two scoreless innings, and reliever Alex Torson was tabbed the losing decision, giving up all of the AppleSox runs. 

In the seventh, Alaska made things interesting with a fielder’s choice RBI with the bases loaded for Dustin Woody. The AppleSox nearly turned an inning-ending 4-6-3 double play for Young, but couldn’t complete the back end. 

Tony Contonio pitched the eighth and the ninth innings for the AppleSox, after pitching for the AppleSox all summer in 2015. In his first outing for Wenatchee since Aug. 2, 2015, Contonio gave up one leadoff single in the eighth, but came back with a flyout and inning-ending 1-6-3 double play. 

In the ninth, he retired the Goldpanners in order, and got some great defensive help from Sheldon Liikala on the game’s final out, when Liikala jumped for a line drive on the warning track and made the catch before hitting the wall back first. 

Game three of the series is Sunday at 6:05 p.m. Luke Mattson will pitch for the AppleSox in the series finale.

APPLESOX, GOLDPANNERS, PLAY SATURDAY

The AppleSox are looking to improve to 4-0 in non-league play this season. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs. Alaska Goldpanners
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium |       7:05 p.m.  
L- Matt Young vs. TBA
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (17-31, 7-14, 7-11 North), fifth place in the North Division welcome the Alaska Goldpanners to Wenatchee for the first time in the two teams’ playing history...the three-game series is the AppleSox final in non-league play this season...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (46-62) (.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 17, ALASKA 6
WENATCHEE –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (3-0, nonleague), used a seven-run second inning, and a six-run seventh inning to run away with game one versus the Alaska Goldpanners, 17-6 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium...Otis Statum and Sheldon Liikala were unstoppable forces at the plate for the AppleSox...Statum drove in five runs in the victory, while Liikala was a singles machine, converting on five hits...after falling behind on back-to-back two-out singles in the top of the first by Alaska, the AppleSox scored two times in the bottom of the first on Liikala’s first hit of the night, good for an RBI, and two wild pitches and passed balls to net a lead...Wenatchee would never look back, slamming five runs off of Damian Powers, who lasted only 1 1/3 innings...the AppleSox had good luck against the ‘Panners second pitcher Daniel Ferrell, striking for four more runs in the second inning, while he could only scratch one out...two more runs on a two-out single for Otis Statum in the third inning but Wenatchee up 11-1...Ross Clevenger pitched five innings, allowing just three runs in the winning effort...Jimmy Dobrash covered an additional three innings in his final outing of 2016, also allowing three more runs...Statum pushed the Sox lead out for good in the seventh inning, with a bases-clearing double with the bases loaded in Wenatchee’s final scoring frame...Liikala, Evan Douglas, Michael Toglia, Matt Reitano, and Taylor Borchers all each collected two runs batted in as well, Friday...Tyler Burch threw the final inning for Wenatchee, and allowed runners at the corners but no runs

TONIGHT'S NOTES
FIVE’S THE NUMBER
Otis Statum and Sheldon Liikala each posted big fives for the AppleSox a night ago...Statum drove in five runs in the victory, the most runs driven in during his collegiate career...Sheldon Liikala pumped out five singles as part of a 15-hit offensive attack for the AppleSox...the five hits for Liikala were the most in a single game in his two-year AppleSox career.  

THE TALE OF NON-LEAGUE GAMES
The AppleSox hold a 110-40 record all-time ver non-league opponents...Wenatchee won two non-league games against the San Francisco Seals earlier this year...originally scheduled as a three-game series, the middle game was rained out due to field conditions....after the win last night, the AppleSox  are 36-15 all-time in first meetings against non-league opponents. 

STRIKEOUT SOX
Wenatchee retired 15-of-27 batters on strikeouts last night, the AppleSox best strikeout total in 2016. 

ALASKA CONNECTION
Assistant Coach Kyle Hunt, played one summer collegiately in the Alaska Baseball League for the Peninsula Oilers...last year’s AppleSox infielder, Keaton Smith, is currently a member of the Goldpanners and started at first base last night. 

APPLESOX THROTTLE GOLDPANNERS, SCORE SEVENTEEN

Otis Statum and Sheldon Liikala led a strong offensive attack for the AppleSox, who won 17-6, Friday.

BOX SCORE

WENATCHEE –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (3-0, nonleague), used a seven-run second inning, and a six-run seventh inning to run away with game one versus the Alaska Goldpanners, 17-6 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Otis Statum and Sheldon Liikala were unstoppable forces at the plate for the AppleSox. Statum drove in five runs in the victory, while Liikala was a singles machine, converting on five hits. 

 After falling behind on back-to-back two-out singles in the top of the first by Alaska, the AppleSox scored two times in the bottom of the first on Liikala’s first hit of the night, good for an RBI, and two wild pitches and passed balls to net a lead. 

Wenatchee would never look back, slamming five runs off of Damian Powers, who lasted only 1 1/3 innings. The AppleSox had good luck against the ‘Panners second pitcher Daniel Ferrell, striking for four more runs in the second inning, while he could only scratch one out. 

Two more runs on a two-out single for Otis Statum in the third inning but Wenatchee up 11-1. 

Ross Clevenger pitched five innings, allowing just three runs in the winning effort. Jimmy Dobrash covered an additional three innings in his final outing of 2016, also allowing three more runs. 

Statum pushed the Sox lead out for good in the seventh inning, with a bases-clearing double with the bases loaded in Wenatchee’s final scoring frame. 

Liikala, Evan Douglas, Michael Toglia, Matt Reitano, and Taylor Borchers all each collected two runs batted in as well, Friday. Tyler Burch threw the final inning for Wenatchee, and allowed runners at the corners but no runs. 

With the win, Wenatchee improved to 3-0 in non-league play this season. 

The AppleSox play the second game of the set against Alaska, Saturday, at 7:05 p.m. Matt Young will be on the mound for the AppleSox. 

APPLESOX OPEN NON-LEAGUE SET WITH ALASKA

The AppleSox welcome the Alaska Goldpanners for the first time in team history, Friday night.

WENATCHEE APPLESOX vs. Alaska Goldpanners
Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium |       7:05 p.m.  
R- Ross Clevenger (1-3) vs. TBA
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (17-31, 7-14, 7-11 North), fifth place in the North Division welcome the Alaska Goldpanners to Wenatchee for the first time in the two teams’ playing history...the three-game series is the AppleSox final in non-league play this season...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (45-62) (.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 1, KELOWNA 3
KELOWNA –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (17-31, 7-14 Second Half), fell 3-1 in a well-pitched game against the Kelowna Falcons (23-22, 10-8), at Elks Stadium, Thursday...Mike Ciancio was seemingly the only Falcon that could get to Grady Miller (3-3) during Thursday night’s game...Ciancio drove in both runs off of Miller...the Kelowna scoring started in the second inning, with back-to-back singles for Kevin Morgan and Ciancio...both were lined through the center of the diamond, just past Miller on the mound...Ciancio also drove in Jesse Moore in the fourth, on a one-out RBI single...Miller was untouched the rest of the way through his six-inning start, scattering seven hits, while walking two and striking out three...Max Carter (3-0) was on point from the start for Kelowna...he tossed seven and a third one-run innings in his third start of the summer...the night started with back-to-back 1-2-3 innings for Carter, and Wenatchee didn’t mount a serious threat against him until his eighth and final inning...with one out, Carter allowed back-to-back singles to Ryan Kreidler and Evan Douglas...an error at third base on a ball hit down the line, originally ruled a hit during the game, resulted in the AppleSox scoring their only run of the game...Eli THornquist threw two innings of scoreless relief for the AppleSox, but Wenatchee couldn’t dig into a 3-1 deficit, after Kelowna tacked on a run in its half of the seventh on a Bowen Ogata groundout...Jared Morton picked up his 8th save, retiring the AppleSox in order in the ninth inning...he struck out the game’s final batter looking, and moved into second in the league in saves.

TONIGHT'S NOTES
YOUR PLAYER OF THE WEEK?
Michael Toglia has had an insane week for the Wenatchee AppleSox, clubbing another two hits in the team’s 3-1 loss, last night...on the week, Toglia is batting .481 with 27 at bats...5 runs...13 hits...3 doubles...1 3B...2 HR...10 RBI and 24 total bases...he has a .563 on-base percentage. 

ROAD TRIP INSIDE THE PARK HOMERS
The AppleSox had no inside-the-park home runs in the first sixteen years of franchise action, and then hit two in a three-day period while on the road in Bellingham and Kelowna...first Evan Douglas did it in Bellingham Sunday and then Michael Toglia in Kelowna on Tuesday...the only inside-the-park home run in the AppleSox history at Paul Thomas Sr. Baseball Stadium was hit by a visiting player, Nick Rulli, July 21, 2010...Rulli was here as a member of the Portland Toros for a couple of nonleague games July 20 and 21...his talent caught the eye of Wenatchee coach Ed Knaggs and on the 22nd he was in an AppleSox uniform playing for the Sox in Bellingham.

FORMER SOX WHO PLAYED FOR THE GOLDPANNERS
Several AppleSox alums have spent time on the Land of the Midnight Sun team (player, Alaska years (Sox years)...Derek Bruce 2003 (‘02)...D.J. Crumlich 2010 (‘09)...Garrett Dorn 2009 (‘07-08)...Brandon Harmon 2007-09 [pitcher and then coach] (‘04-05)...Eric Hutting 2014 (‘13)...and Eric Lane 2009 (‘10)...and of course there was Rob Hippi who was the pitching coach for the Goldpanners in 2002-03 and for the Sox from 2006-12...in total seven players/coaches have shared time between the AppleSox and the Goldpanners. 

WELCOME BACK
Tony Contonio joins the AppleSox as a pitcher this weekend...Contonio played for the AppleSox in 2015, posting a 9.44 ERA, in 12 relief appearances with 20 innings pitched...he struck out 21 batters and walked 19, but struggled with command to an eventual 0-5 record. 

THE TALE OF NON-LEAGUE GAMES
The AppleSox hold a 109-40 record all-time ver non-league opponents...Wenatchee won two non-league games against the San Francisco Seals earlier this year...originally scheduled as a three-game series, the middle game was rained out due to field conditions. 

FALCONS OUT-PITCH APPLESOX, WIN SERIES

The AppleSox fell in a great pitching game, Thursday, 3-1 at Elks Stadium in Kelowna, B.C. 

BOX SCORE

KELOWNA –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (17-31, 7-14 Second Half), fell 3-1 in a well-pitched game against the Kelowna Falcons (23-22, 10-8), at Elks Stadium, Thursday.

Mike Ciancio was seemingly the only Falcon that could get to Grady Miller (3-3) during Thursday night’s game. CIancio drove in both runs off of Miller. 

The Kelowna scoring started in the second inning, with back-to-back singles for Kevin Morgan and Ciancio. Both were lined through the center of the diamond, just past Miller on the mound. 

Ciancio also drove in Jesse Moore in the fourth, on a one-out RBI single.

Miller was untouched the rest of the way through his six-inning start, scattering seven hits, while walking two and striking out three. 

Max Carter (3-0) was on point from the start for Kelowna. He tossed seven and a third one-run innings in his third start of the summer. 

The night started with back-to-back 1-2-3 innings for Carter, and Wenatchee didn’t mount a serious threat against him until his eighth and final inning. With one out, Carter allowed back-to-back singles to Ryan Kreidler and Evan Douglas. An error at third base on a ball hit down the line, originally ruled a hit during the game, resulted in the AppleSox scoring their only run of the game. 

Eli THornquist threw two innings of scoreless relief for the AppleSox, but Wenatchee couldn’t dig into a 3-1 deficit, after Kelowna tacked on a run in its half of the seventh on a Bowen Ogata groundout. 

Jared Morton picked up his 8th save, retiring the AppleSox in order in the ninth inning. He struck out the game’s final batter looking, and moved into second in the league in saves.

Wenatchee returns home to Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium, Friday, to start a three-game non-league series with the Alaska Goldpanners. The team from Fairbanks is playing outside of the Alaska Collegiate League for one summer, and aiming to win an NBC Championship in Wichita, Kansas. 

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. 

APPLESOX, FALCONS FIGHT FOR SERIES WIN

The AppleSox and the Falcons play for the series, Thursday night in British Columbia. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Kelowna Falcons
Elks Stadium |       6:35 p.m.  
L- Grady Miller (3-2) vs. R- Max Carter (2-0)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (17-30, 7-13, 7-10 North), fifth place in the North Division wrap up their six-game road trip at the Kelowna Falcons (22-22, 9-8, 8-9) after wining a series against Bellingham, 2-1...with last night’s win, tonight’s game decided the fate of the series...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (45-61) (.425), 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 13, KELOWNA 3
KELOWNA –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (17-30, 7-13 Second Half), were lifted by a season-best offensive performance over the Kelowna Falcons (22-22, 9-8), in a 13-3 victory to even the three-game series at Elks Stadium, Wednesday...early on, Wenatchee let Okeefe Hall (1-1) dig his own hole...the Falcon starter walked six batters and left the game in the third inning with the bases loaded and one out...four runs came to score on an error and two hits, including an RBI single for Dalton Harum, and an RBI single for Haydan Hastings...Harum finished an outstanding 3-for-4 with two walks for Wenatchee...Kelowna got one run off of Mac Lardner (1-2) in the bottom of the third on a groundout, but Wednesday night was all about the AppleSox...Wenatchee crossed its next three runs in the fifth and sixth innings, courtesy of four Falcon errors...Kelowna committed an opponent-high six errors in the loss...in the seventh, with the AppleSox still facing marathon reliever Cody Ahlgrimm, Michael Toglia clubbed an inside-the-park grand slam off the wall in center field...the grand slam gave Wenatchee an 11-1 advantage...the AppleSox added two more runs in the eighth and ninth innings, to complete five-straight scoring frames, and ran away late against Kelowna’s second baseman turned pitcher, who was working in fireman’s relief...Kelowna did come back for two more runs in the ninth against Adam Paulson on a triple and a single, however, Paulson worked 3 1/3 innings behind Lardner to earn his first save of the season. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
WALLS CAN’T CONTAIN
The AppleSox have generated some magic inside the confines of the parks they’ve visited on the road trip...Wenatchee has hit inside-the-park home runs in two of the last three games, including one of the grand slam variety last night for Michael Toglia.

WHAT CAN YOU SAY?
For the second time in two nights and the seventh time this season Michael Toglia hammered a home run...and this one wasn’t anywhere near the normal variety...one, it came with the bases loaded, and two, the thing never left the park...with seven he now leads the WCL in homers and is two ahead of three players tied for second...with the slam he took over the league lead in RBI with 35, two ahead of Tommy Lane of Bend...the big hit was the 14th grand slam in team history, the 11th in league play...he is the fourth Sox to hit at least seven home runs in league games in a season...the record is nine by Taylor Sparks in ‘12...four of the 14 grand slams have been against Kelowna...he also leads the league in triples 5, extra base hits 20, total bases 82 and slugging percentage .569.

HITTING IS CONTAGIOUS
Last night, everybody in the batting order collected at least one hit, and the Sox tallied a season-high 17 knocks...Wenatchee also came up with 13 runs...he most this season...the last time Wenatchee scored at least that many was a 17-7 win over the Falcons a year ago...only six other times this season have teams in the league tallied at least 13 runs - Bend 15, Corvallis, Bellingham and Yakima Valley 14, Bend and Victoria 13...by hitting volume, the AppleSox were led by local outfielder Dalton Harum, who went 3-for-4.

LARDNER’S FIRST WIN
Mac Lardner pitched 5 2/3 innings to pick up his first collegiate win last night...he was in and around the zone, only allowing one run to Kelowna, who tacked on two in the ninth.

FIRST WIN, EH?
With last night’s victory, the AppleSox won their first game in Canada in 2016...they have just one more game left to go in Canada...tonight’s contest.

IMPROVING AGAINST THE BEST
Wenatchee is now 5-13 against teams who were leading/sharing a lead of the WCL North and South Divisions at the start of a game...the AppleSox are 13-25 against teams with a better record.

GONNA BE TOUGH
Expect runs to be at a premium against Grady Miller tonight. He has only given up one earned run per game in each of his last three starts...he has averaged just over seven-innings per start during that three-game stretch. 

APPLESOX OFFENSE EXPLODES, DISMANTLES KELOWNA 13-3

Michael Toglia's inside-the-park grand slam highlighted Wenatchee's offensive outburst, as the AppleSox ran away from the Falcons 13-3, Wednesday in British Columbia. 

BOX SCORE

KELOWNA –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (17-30, 7-13 Second Half), were lifted by a season-best offensive performance over the Kelowna Falcons (22-22, 9-8), in a 13-3 victory to even the three-game series at Elks Stadium, Wednesday.

In the win, Wenatchee set a season-high in hits with 17, and in runs with 13. The AppleSox also won by their second-largest margin. 

Early on, Wenatchee let Okeefe Hall (1-1) dig his own hole. The Falcon starter walked six batter and left the game in the third inning with the bases loaded and one out. Four runs came to score on an error and two hits, including an RBI single for Dalton Harum, and an RBI single for Haydan Hastings. 

Harum finished an outstanding 3-for-4 with two walks for Wenatchee. Kelowna got one run off of Mac Lardner (1-2) in the bottom of the third on a groundout, but Wednesday night was all about the AppleSox. 

Wenatchee crossed its next three runs in the fifth and sixth innings, courtesy of four Falcon errors. Kelowna committed an opponent-high six errors in the loss. 

In the seventh, with the AppleSox still facing marathon reliever Cody Ahlgrimm, Michael Toglia clubbed an inside-the-park grand slam off the wall in center field. The Falcons’ center fielder crashed into the fence chasing the long fly ball and did not get up until after the play was over and Toglia was home safely. The grand slam gave Wenatchee an 11-1 advantage. 

It was Toglia’s WCL-best seventh home run, and the first grand slam for the AppleSox since Joe Gillette hit one on the road in Walla Walla, July 26, 2014. It was also Wenatchee’s second inside-the-park home run in the last three games. Evan Douglas hit a solo shot inside the fences Sunday in Bellingham. 

Wenatchee has hit a home run in four-consecutive games, and now has 16 home runs on the season. Toglia is two off of the team record in a year, set by Taylor Sparks in 2012. He also moved into first in the WCL in runs batted in with 35, passing Bend’s Tommy Lane. 

The AppleSox added two more runs in the eighth and ninth innings, to complete five-straight scoring frames, and ran away late against Kelowna’s second baseman turned pitcher, who was working in fireman’s relief. 

Kelowna did come back for two more runs in the ninth against Adam Paulson on a triple and a single, however, Paulson worked 3 1/3 innings behind Lardner to earn his first save of the season. 

Game three of the series, and a chance for a 4-2 road trip is Thursday night, when the AppleSox face the rubber match at 6:35.p.m. Grady Miller (3-2) will get the nod for Wenatchee. 

APPLESOX WORKING TO EVEN SERIES

Mac Lardner will make his second start of 2016, Wednesday, as Wenatchee looks to even up a three-game series with North-foe, Kelowna. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Kelowna Falcons
Elks Stadium |       6:35 p.m.  
L- Mac Lardner (0-2) vs. R- OKeefe Hall (1-0)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (16-30, 6-13, 6-10 North), fifth place in the North Division continute their six-game road trip at the Kelowna Falcons (22-21, 9-7, 8-8) after wining a series against Bellingham, 2-1...with last night’s Falcon win, the season series between Wenatchee and Kelowna is now even 2-2...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (44-61) (.419), 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, KELOWNA 6
KELOWNA –   The Wenatchee AppleSox (16-30, 6-13 Second Half), received big nights from Evan Douglas, and Michael Toglia, but gave up too many runs early, falling to the Kelowna Falcons (22-21, 9-7), 6-4 at Elks Stadium, Tuesday...Kelowna jumped out on Wenatchee starter Justin Blatner for a run in the second inning on back-to-back doubles for Jesse Moore and Brad Antchak...Wenatchee was able to answer for their starter in the top of the third, when Evan Douglas tripled with one out, to set up a scoring play on a Taylor Borchers groundout to shortstop...Kelowna scored three times in the third on two more doubles...in the fourth, they drove in another with a fourth double...trailing, 5-1, Otis Statum lead off the seventh inning with a double off of Blake Randazzo (3-5) with a double, followed by a Haydan Hastings single to put Statum in position to score...like Douglas in the third, Statum was brought home on a groundout to short by Shane Martinez...Kelowna expanded the lead off of AppleSox reliever Miceal Taylor in the seventh inning, thanks to an RBI groundout by Aj Sawyer, that scored Lane Lacrone who walked and reached third on a two-base wild pitch...Wenatchee answered in a big way in the eighth, with Douglas tying the team record for triples in the game, nearly hitting his third home run of the season, but having it redirected on the warning track, off of the glove of the right fielder...in the next at bat, Michael Toglia homered to bring in Douglas, and took the WCL lead with six homers....Wenatchee couldn’t strike for any more runs late though, and Riley Moore got the save.

TONIGHT'S NOTES
LEADING THE LEAGUE
Michael Toglia is in a stunning offensive rhythm this season for Wenatchee...last night he picked up a hit in his season-best sixth-straight game...the hit also happened to be his sixth home run of the season, and first of his six hit on the road...with six dingers he now leads the WCL in homers, ahead of Patrick Flynn and Tommy Lane of Bend, and Ben Polshuk of Victoria...Toglia also picked up two more RBI, extending his lead over the North Division, with 31...he also leads the league in triples (5), one off a share of the team single season record, extra-base hits (19), and is now just two RBI off the league lead....Wenatchee’s single season home run record is 9 in a season...Toglia needs three more in the final 8 league games to match that mark. 

TRIPLE DOUBLE
Evan Douglas belted two triples for the AppleSox last night in game one of the series...it was the second time Wenatchee had a player hit for two triples in the same game this season, tying the team’s single-game record...Michael Toglia also hit for two triples at home July 9, 2016 vs. Gresham...Brent Wyatt was the other AppleSox player to accomplish the feat, back in 2006. 

OH, CANADA
Wenatchee is looking for its first win in Canada...the AppleSox are 0-4 north of the border this season. 

MAC IS BACK
Mac Lardner will be back to the mound for his second start of 2016...in his last outing, he fell into an early hole, allowing three runs to the Kitsap BlueJackets, on five hits, but recovered to retire 11 of the final 12 batters to face him...including seven in a row...if he carries that momentum into Wednesday’s game, the AppleSox can expect a stellar start that stretches longer than five innings. 

LEADING THE CHARGE
Over the last five games, the AppleSox offense has seen improvement from a sub-.200 average, and now is hitting .252 over the last five contests...Michael Toglia is leading that charge with twice as many hits over that span than the next AppleSox player (10). 

SECOND TIME AGAINST HIM
Wenatchee has faced Kelowna starter OKeefe Hall once before this season...except Hall was a reliever for the Falcons, throwing 2/3 of an inning in their lone win of the previous three-game set in Washington...Hall faced six batters and gave up three runs, two of which came earned...he has given up at least two earned runs in six-of-seven outings...tonight is his third start, and he threw eight innings his last time out and averages 3.5 runs allowed per start. 

TOGLIA HITS WCL LEAGUE-LEADING SIXTH HOME RUN, SOX FALL 6-4

The AppleSox fell 6-4, Tuesday night despite great performances from Michael Toglia and Evan Douglas.

BOX SCORE

KELOWNA –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (16-30, 6-13 Second Half), received big nights from Evan Douglas, and Michael Toglia, but gave up too many runs early, falling to the Kelowna Falcons (22-21, 9-7), 6-4 at Elks Stadium, Tuesday.

Kelowna jumped out on Wenatchee starter Justin Blatner for a run in the second inning on back-to-back doubles for Jesse Moore and Brad Antchak. 

Wenatchee was able to answer for their starter in the top of the third, when Evan Douglas tripled with one out, to set up a scoring play on a Taylor Borchers groundout to shortstop. 

Kelowna got the runs it needed in the third and fourth innings, scoring three times in the third on two more doubles, including one for two RBI by Moore. Lane Lacrone also singled home a man in the inning. 

In the fourth, things were compounded when Davis Todosichuk doubled home Michael Ciancio. 

Trailing, 5-1, Wenatchee tried to finally get to Blake Randazzo (3-5) in the seventh inning, with Otis Statum leading off the frame with a double, followed by a Haydan Hastings single to put Statum in position to score. Like Douglas in the third, Statum was brought home on a groundout to short by Shane Martinez. 

Kelowna expanded the lead off of AppleSox reliever Miceal Taylor in the seventh inning, thanks to an RBI groundout by Aj Sawyer, that scored Lane Lacrone who walked and reached third on a two-base wild pitch. 

Wenatchee answered in a big way in the eighth, with Douglas tying the team record for triples in the game, nearly hitting his third home run of the season, but having it redirected on the warning track, off of the glove of the right fielder. In the next at bat, Michael Toglia homered to bring in Douglas, and took the WCL lead with six homers. 

Wenatchee couldn’t strike for any more runs late though, and Riley Moore shut the door for his first save, retiring all five batters to face him following the Toglia blast. 

Game two is tomorrow at 6:35 p.m. Mac Lardner (0-2) will throw for Wenatchee. 

WENATCHEE CONTINUES ROAD TRIP IN KELOWNA

The AppleSox continue a six-game road trip at Kelowna, Tuesday night. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Kelowna Falcons
Elks Stadium |       6:35 p.m.  
L- Justin Blatner (3-2) vs. R- Blake Randazzo (2-5)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (16-29, 6-12, 6-9 North), fifth place in the North Division continute their six-game road trip at the Kelowna Falcons (21-21, 8-7, 7-8) after wining a series against Bellingham, 2-1...the series win was the first of the WCL Second Half for the AppleSox, and Wenatchee now faces a team it beat two out of three times earlier this year...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (44-60) (.423), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

YESTERDAY - APPLESOX 2, BELLINGHAM 8
BELLINGHAM –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (16-29, 6-12 Second Half), won a series two games to one, but fell Monday 8-2 to the Bellingham Bells (23-19, 8-7), at Joe Martin Field...the AppleSox pitching staff struggled mightily to find the strike zone. Wenatchee walked a season-high 12 batters in the loss...Chase Strumpf hit a two-run home run in the first inning to push Bellingham to an early lead. In the third inning,..Landon Riker brought home a run on a bases-loaded walk to expand the Bellingham lead in the third...again, Bellingham tacked on runs in the fourth inning, scoring on a double steal with runners at first and third, and a two-RBI single for Jake Vieth...the Bells got their starter Jon Olsen (4-2) an 8-0 lead in the fifth inning with a sacrifice fly and a run scoring on an error...Luke Mattson (1-7), was taken out of the game after 3 1/3 innings...he allowed four hits and five runs, on six walks and no strikeouts...the AppleSox bullpen also struggled, walking an additional six batters...Nick Hoefling did extend his consecutive scoreless innings streak to 9 1/3 innings with three scoreless frames, Monday, and Wenatchee tried to score late with a Matt Fraizer sacrifice fly plating a runner in the sixth...Evan Douglas provided the most exciting play of the night for the AppleSox in the eighth inning with an inside-the-park home run...he hit a hard liner to center field, that went under the fielder’s diving glove and came to rest at the base of the fence...he did the rest with his legs, to hit his second home run of the season. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
CONSECUTIVE SCORELESS
Last night, with three scoreless innings in relief, Nick Hoefling moved his consecutive scoreless innings streak to 9 1/3 innings...he is the team’s active leader in consecutive scoreless innings thrown. 

DOUGLAS NEARING RECORD MARK
After hitting an inside-the-park home run last night in Bellingham, Evan Douglas has hit nine home runs in his AppleSox career...Douglas is chasing the team’s franchise mark for most home runs hit in an AppleSox career...at 11.

GETTING IT BACK
Justin Blatner is trying to get back to where he was through his first three starts (two league and one non-league)...a 3-0 record with an average start of 6 1/3 innings...since June 24, Blatner is 1-2, still averaging 6.0 innings-per-start, but has allowed 13 earned runs, as opposed to just the lone earned run that he gave up in his first start.


TOGLIA’S LAST SERIES
Wenatchee’s leading hitter, Michael Toglia, is coming off of a great road series in Bellingham...he has an active team-best five-game hitting streak, and went 7-for-13 with 3 RBI, two doubles, and one triple...Toglia’s triple gave him the WCL lead with five...he has a league-leading 18 extra-base hits, and is also tied for the league lead in home runs with five.

LAST TIME VS. KELOWNA
Wenatchee took two-of-three games from Kelowna to complete their first-half schedule...it was one of three series wins at home for the AppleSox this season.

WHEN IN KELOWNA
Last season, Wenatchee went 3-3 on the road against Kelowna at Elks Stadium...the teams combined to score an average of 15.3 runs per game in the six contests, with no shortage of offense...the AppleSox won the overall series vs. Kelowna last season 5-4, their only season series win vs. a division opponent. 

OPPORTUNITIES
As of today, each of Wenatchee’s final nine WCL North games comes against the division leader...possible because there is a four-way tie for first place between Kelowna, Bellingham, Walla Walla, and Victoria...Wenatchee will play Kelowna, Walla Walla, and Bellingham in its final nine games of the 2016 WCL season.

BELLINGHAM SALVAGES GAME THREE, APPLESOX WIN SERIES

Bellingham walked 12 times en route to an 8-2 victory, Monday night. 

BOX SCORE

BELLINGHAM –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (16-29, 6-12 Second Half), won a series two games to one, but fell Monday 8-2 to the Bellingham Bells (23-19, 8-7), at Joe Martin Field.

The AppleSox pitching staff struggled mightily to find the strike zone. Wenatchee walked a season-high 12 batters in the loss.

Chase Strumpf hit a two-run home run in the first inning to push Bellingham to an early lead. In the third inning, Landon Riker brought home a run on a bases-loaded walk to expand the Bellingham lead in the third.

Again, Bellingham tacked on runs in the fourth inning, scoring on a double steal with runners at first and third, and a two-RBI single for Jake Vieth.

The Bells got their starter Jon Olsen (4-2) an 8-0 lead in the fifth inning with a sacrifice fly and a run scoring on an error.

Luke Mattson (1-7), was taken out of the game after 3 1/3 innings. He allowed four hits and five runs, on six walks and no strikeouts. The AppleSox bullpen also struggled, walking an additional six batters.

Nick Hoefling did extend his consecutive scoreless innings streak to 9 1/3 innings with three scoreless frames, Monday, and Wenatchee tried to score late with a Matt Fraizer sacrifice fly plating a runner in the sixth.

Evan Douglas provided the most exciting play of the night for the AppleSox in the eighth inning with an inside-the-park home run. He hit a hard liner to center field, that went under the fielder’s diving glove and came to rest at the base of the fence. He did the rest with his legs, to hit his second home run of the season.

The AppleSox are back in action Tuesday night in Kelowna at 6:35 p.m. against the Kelowna Falcons. 

APPLESOX GUN FOR SWEEP OF BELLS

The AppleSox are trying for their first sweep of 2016, Monday, with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch at Bellingham. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Bellingham Bells
Joe Martin Field |       7:05 p.m.  
R- Luke Mattson (1-6) vs. R- Jon Olsen (3-2)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (16-28, 6-11, 6-8 North), fifth place in the North Division are visiting the Bellingham Bells (22-19, 7-7, 7-7) after beating the North second-half leaders to win a series yesterday...the series win was the first of the WCL Second Half for the AppleSox, and moved them three games off of the North Division lead...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (44-59) (.427), who is in his 4th season with the Sox...Proszek is assisted by Kyle Hunt and Colton Loomis, both in their first seasons.

YESTERDAY - APPLESOX 4, BELLINGHAM 1
BELLINGHAM –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (16-28, 6-11 Second Half), picked up their first series win of the WCL second half in a 4-1 final over the Bellingham Bells (22-19, 7-7), Sunday afternoon at Joe Martin Field...Michael Toglia led off the second inning with a double to right field...following a Matt Reitano walk, and a wild pitch, Taylor Borchers hit a groundout to shortstop that score the AppleSox first run...in the next at bat, Dalton Harum parked a two-run home run over the left field fence into the lot beyond the wall...the score held until the sixth inning, when Matt Young (3-0) left after throwing five shutout innings and striking out five batters...with Ross Clevenger on the mound, Bellingham came back off of a leadoff strikeout to load the bases on consecutive singles...a wild pitch scored one run, but Clevenger got out of further trouble with a groundout and flyout to end the inning...in the eighth, Bellingham threatened again, with runners at the corners and one out, following a 1-2-3 inning for Clevenger...in the ninth, Wenatchee scored off of Sam Hellinger who hadn’t given up an earned run in 2016 on 20.0 innings pitched, following an inning-opening out...it was Toglia’s fourth hit of the night that added an insurance run for Wenatchee...a single through the right side scored Jordan Rathbone, who singled earlier in the inning and stole second...Eli Thornquist pitched the bottom of the ninth, and after an easy first two outs, ran into a bit of trouble, loading the bases on a single and back-to-back walks...he got the game’s final batter to ground out to end the game and secure the series win. 

TONIGHT'S NOTES
SEEKING A SWEEP
Tonight’s potential sweep could be a pivotal hurdle for the AppleSox to clear in 2016...Wenatchee does not yet have a sweep this season, with their last coming July 3-5, 2015 at home against the Klamath Falls Gems...Wenatchee hasn’t swept a team on the road since August 5-7, 2014 at Kelowna...that was also the last time the AppleSox swept a divisional opponent on the road...the last time the AppleSox swept Bellingham was July 22-24, 2010...with the series also played in Bellingham. 

HARUMS FIRST HIT, HOME RUN
Yesterday in Dalton Harum’s second game in a Sox uniform he got his first hit, a 2-run shot over the left field fence...Harum becomes at least the third player to have their first AppleSox hit leave the yard...we can confirm that Colin Hill, in his second at bat, in the very first Wenatchee game on 6/2/2000, hit a two-run homer to beat Bellingham at Joe Martin Field 2-1...Greg Brooks also acoomplished the feat, hitting a solo blast in his fourth at bat on 6/1/2001 in a 6-3 league victory over the Coquitlam Athletics here in Wenatchee...there is a possibility of one more on 5/30/2003...Bobby Carlson hit a homer in his first game, but we cannot be 100 percent sure if it was his first hit...he did not have a hit going into the game,but the game score sheet is missing, so we do not know if he had a hit earlier in the game before the homer...regardless, Harum is at the least the third player to accomplish it and definitely the first since at least 2003...over 13 years ago...the homer was also the 300th in the AppleSox all-time franchise history. 

SETTLING IN
Wenatchee’s Monday-night starter Luke Mattson is working on 6.1-consecutive scoreless innings dating to July 13 at home...he is tied for second behind Matt Young who has thrown 8.2-consecutive.

ROAD STREAK
With the victory last night, Wenatchee has won three-consecutive road games..the AppleSox had won back-to-back on the road two other times this season, and now have their sights set on a first series sweep of the summer.
 

POWERED BY PANTHERS
Grady Miller, who pitched another tremendous game Saturday, and Dalton Harum who hit a key home run yesterday, are both 2016 graduates of Wenatchee High School...the duo played on a team that finished third in the state...a 24-1 record, with their only loss to the Syline Spartans...the eventual state champions. 

BEATING THE BEST
Wenatchee beat a WCL-North leading team for the second time in 2016 yesterday with consecutive wins over Bellingham..Wenatchee is now 2-3 against leaders of the North and 2-8 against leaders of the South...4-11 overall.

IT’S BEEN AWHILE
The AppleSox won their first divisional road series yesterday since July 28-30, 2015 at Kelowna (2-1)...359 days ago.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED
The first AppleSox game was played in Bellingham at Joe Martin Field...June 2, 2000...a 2-1 AppleSox win.

APPLESOX SCORE EARLY, DON’T LOOK BACK IN SERIES WIN

The AppleSox took a series from the Bellingham Bells, and won their third-straight Sunday afternoon, to the tune of a 4-1 final in Bellingham. 

BOX SCORE

BELLINGHAM –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (16-28, 6-11 Second Half), picked up their first series win of the WCL second half in a 4-1 final over the Bellingham Bells (22-19, 7-7), Sunday afternoon at Joe Martin Field.

Again, Wenatchee scored early in game two of the series. Michael Toglia led off the second inning with a double to right field, which kick-started a 4-for-5 night for Wenatchee’s leading hitter. 

Following a Matt Reitano walk, and a wild pitch, Taylor Borchers hit a groundout to shortstop that score the AppleSox first run of the day. In the next at bat, in his second game, Dalton Harum parked a two-run home run over the left field fence into the lot beyond the wall. Hit off of Gio Lopez (1-1), it was the first hit of the season and collegiate career for Harum, a new addition playing in just his second game.  

The score held until the sixth inning, when Matt Young (3-0) left after throwing five shutout innings and striking out five batters. 

With Ross Clevenger on the mound, Bellingham came back off of a leadoff strikeout to load the bases on consecutive singles. A wild pitch scored one run, but Clevenger got out of further trouble with a groundout and flyout to end the inning. 

In the eighth, Bellingham threatened again, with runners at the corners and one out, following a 1-2-3 inning for Clevenger. However, again, the righty relaxed and got the next two batters to pop out and strike out, respectively. 

In the ninth, Wenatchee grabbed an insurance run off of the Bells’ Sam Hellinger who hadn’t given up an earned run in 2016 on 20.0 innings pitched, following an inning-opening out. 

It was Toglia’s fourth hit of the night that added an insurance run for Wenatchee. A single through the right side scored Jordan Rathbone, who singled earlier in the inning and stole second. 

Eli Thornquist pitched the bottom of the ninth, and after an easy first two outs, ran into a bit of trouble, loading the bases on a single and back-to-back walks. 

He got the game’s final batter, Austin Shenton, who was 3-for-3 prior to the at bat to ground out to short stop to end the game and secure the series win for the AppleSox. 

With the win, Wenatchee won its first series of the WCL Second Half, and moved three games back of Kelowna in the Division at the time of completion. It also was the AppleSox first divisional road series win of 2016, dating back to July 28-30, 2015. 

Game three and the chance for the season’s first sweep is Monday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., and Luke Mattson will pitch for the AppleSox. 

APPLESOX TARGET SERIES WIN AT BELLINGHAM

The AppleSox are playing their only day game of 2016, with a 3:05 p.m. first pitch at Bellingham, Sunday. 

WENATCHEE APPLESOX at Bellingham Bells
Joe Martin Field |       3:05 p.m.  
L- Matt Young (2-0) vs. R- Gio Lopez (1-0)
GAME NOTES       |       APPLESOX STATS       |       LISTEN LIVE

The Wenatchee AppleSox (15-28, 5-11, 5-8 North), fifth place in the North Division are visiting the Bellingham Bells (22-18, 7-6, 7-6) after beating the North second-half leaders last night...Wenatchee lost a three game series to the Bells last year 2-1 at Joe Martin Fieldis playing at the former minor league park of Ken Griffey Jr. on his Hall of Fame Induction weekend...the AppleSox are playing their 17th franchise season (12th in the WCL) and are led by second-year skipper, AJ Proszek (43-59) (.422), 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 6, BELLINGHAM 1
BELLINGHAM –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (15-28, 5-11 Second Half), brought down the Bellingham Bells (22-18, 7-6), 6-1, in a series-opening win, Saturday night at Joe Martin Field...Grady Miller (3-2) gave the AppleSox the lift they needed early, facing the minimums in his first three innings of work against the Bells...meanwhile, Wenatchee stockpiled a lead for their lefty, scoring once in the second on a Ryan Kreidler RBI single, and again in the third on a Michael Toglia RBI double...Bellingham got its lone run in the fourth inning on back-to-back doubles off of Miller...offensively, Hanon had a standout night for Bellingham, going 3-for-4...the AppleSox expanded their lead off of Connor Johnson in the fifth inning with an RBI triple for Toglia, who scored Sheldon Liikala following Liikala’s third hit of the night...Toglia scored in the next at bat on a failed suicide squeeze and a pitch in the dirt that bounced off of Bellingham’s catcher, ahead of a play at the plate...Toglia received credit for stealing home...Liikala finished 4-for-4 with a walk, and Toglia picked up his WCL-leading fifth triple and his North-leading 26th and 27th RBI...Wenatchee’s pitching was nearly lights-out the rest of the way, blanking the Bells...Miller finished with seven one-run innings, earning his team-best fifth quality start of the season...it was also his third start of seven-or-more innings...Jimmy Dobrash covered the last two innings for the AppleSox...the AppleSox offense added two insurance runs in the sixth inning, which came unearned on a pair of errors and a Liikala walk and Alex Gonzales single.  

TONIGHT'S NOTES
TREMENDOUS TOGLIA
Michael Toglia continues to make waves in his first season of WCL Baseball...after last night’s win, (double, triple, RBI, SB), Toglia is now the WCL leader in the following categories...home runs: 5 (tied)...triples: 5...extra-base hits: 17...total bases: 68 (19 singles (19), 7 doubles (14), 5 triples (15), 5 home runs (20))...and slugging percentage: .527.

BEATING THE BEST
Wenatchee beat a WCL-North leading team for the first time in 2016 last night...Wenatchee is now 1-3 against leaders of the North and 2-8 against leaders of the South...3-11 overall. 

ON THE ROAD AGAIN
With the victory last night, Wenatchee has tied it’s mark for most consecutive road wins (2)...the AppleSox have won back-to-back on the road two other times this season, and are gunning for their first 3-game road winning streak this season. 

WENATCHEE’S BEST
Grady Miller certainly has been impressive for the AppleSox in 2016...the freshman left-hander has tossed a team-leading 6.46 innings-per-start, while recording a team-best five quality starts (next closest: Justin Blatner, 2)...last night he also improved his record to 2-0 when following a losing outing. 

LOG JAMMED
Wenatchee is now trying to race the top division teams in the WCL North...the Sox are just 3.5 games back, trailing all other four North opponents, who are tied atop the WCL North second-half standings 

NORTH ROAD SERIES
The AppleSox are going for their first divisional road series win since July 28-30, 2015 at Kelowna (2-1)...359 days ago.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED
Bet you didn’t know that when the AppleSox began their season 17 years back, it was in Bellingham at Joe Martin Field...June 2, 2000...a 2-1 AppleSox win. 

CLOSE CALLS
Since the WCL series between Bellingham and Wenatchee began in 2005, the teams have played over a third of their games to a one-run finishes...23-of-64...35.9 percent...last season the AppleSox lost two games of a three-game set to Bellingham 5-3 and 5-4...Wenatchee won the third game 5-1. 

HEADED NORTH
Wenatchee is done playing opponents from the WCL South in the 2016 regular season...after the Kitsap series, the AppleSox wrapped up their record vs. the South at 10-20.

GET FAMILIAR
Bellingham and Wenatchee will see each other plenty of times to finish the 2016 season...five of the AppleSox final 11 regular season league games this year will be against the boys from Whatcom County. 

A TALE OF TWO TIMES
Wenatchee was 16-4 in the first 20 meetings between the two franchises...Bellingham was 14-6 in the last 20 meetings, coming into last night’s game.

GRADY MILLER’S STRONG OUTING, GOOD OFFENSE FUEL SERIES-OPENING WIN

Grady Miller, Michael Toglia, and Sheldon Liikala all chipped in during a strong team win in game one at Bellingham, Saturday.

BOX SCORE

BELLINGHAM –  The Wenatchee AppleSox (15-28, 5-11 Second Half), brought down the Bellingham Bells (22-18, 7-6), 6-1, in a series-opening win, Saturday night at Joe Martin Field.

Grady Miller (3-2) gave the AppleSox the lift they needed early, facing the minimums in his first three innings of work against the Bells. 

Meanwhile, Wenatchee stockpiled a lead for their lefty, scoring once in the second on a Ryan Kreidler RBI single, and again in the third on a Michael Toglia RBI double. 

Bellingham got its lone run in the fourth inning on back-to-back doubles off of Miller. Shane Hanon scored after Chase Strumpf brought him home. Offensively, Hanon had a standout night for Bellingham, going 3-for-4. 

The AppleSox expanded their lead off of Connor Johnson in the fifth inning with an RBI triple for Toglia, who scored Sheldon Liikala following Liikala’s third hit of the night. 

Toglia scored in the next at bat on a failed suicide squeeze and a pitch in the dirt that bounced off of Bellingham’s catcher, ahead of a play at the plate. Toglia received credit for stealing home. 

Liikala finished 4-for-4 with a walk, and Toglia picked up his WCL-leading fifth triple and his North-leading 26th and 27th RBI. 

Wenatchee’s pitching was nearly lights-out the rest of the way, blanking the Bells. Miller finished with seven one-run innings, earning his team-best fifth quality start of the season. It was also his third start of seven-or-more innings.

Jimmy Dobrash covered the last two innings for the AppleSox, throwing shutout frames. The AppleSox offense added two insurance runs in the sixth inning, which came unearned on a pair of errors and a Liikala walk and Alex Gonzales single. 

Game two of the series is Sunday at 3:05 p.m. Matt Young (2-0) will pitch for Wenatchee.