SECOND-LONGEST HOMESTAND OF SEASON BEGINS TONIGHT

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series preview 6.16.18.jpeg

APPLESOX (3-5)

v.s.

Kelowna Falcons (3-6)

June 16-18

Paul Thomas Senior Stadium

The Wenatchee AppleSox return to Paul Thomas Senior Stadium to play the Kelowna Falcons in the AppleSox’ first West Coast League home series of the 2018 season.

The AppleSox return home after a five-game road trip. Initially, it was supposed to be a seven-game stretch away from home, but all three of the AppleSox’ originally scheduled games in Portland were rained out. As a result, the Sox’ game with Gresham on June 11 was cancelled and the Pickles and AppleSox played a doubleheader on Monday.

Now, the Sox look to take their second West Coast League series of the season when they take on the Falcons. Kelowna enters Saturday’s game dead-last in the North after two weeks of play.

Last season, the AppleSox swept the season series, taking all six games from the Falcons.

Probable Pitchers

Saturday

Falcons: Owen Leonard (0-0, 5.40 ERA)

AppleSox: Michael Spellacy (3-0, 4.56 ERA with AppleSox in 2017)

Sunday

Falcons: Trevor Bridgen (0-2, 6.75 ERA)

AppleSox: Grady Miller (1-1, 2.53 ERA)

Monday

Falcons: James Brooks (0-0, 9.00 ERA)

AppleSox: Hunter Boyd (1-1, 5.55 ERA)

Promotions

Sunday: Wenatchee Valley Mall Night and Spaghetti Sunday

Monday: Cashmere Night

Last Game

The AppleSox lost 5-3 to the Corvallis Knights on Thursday night to drop two of three in the series. The Sox had Friday off and they will not have another day off until June 25.

Magro Heating Up

Though the AppleSox dropped two of three to the Knights, second baseman Joey Magro was a bright spot at the plate. The Biola second baseman went 6-8 in the final two games against the Knights.

In the series finale on Thursday, Magro was a home run away from hitting for the cycle. He is now hitting .421, team-best among Sox batters with at least 15 at-bats.

Stainbrook Stifling Batters

Through eight games, reliever Troy Stainbrook has proven his worth as a high-leverage reliever. The Southpaw from Biola has thrown a team-high three times over 5.2-innings and has yet to allow a run this season.

In Tuesday’s 4-0 win over the Knights, Stainbrook struck out four batters in two innings, including striking out the side in the eighth inning. The scoreless outing gave Stainbrook his first save of the season and the Sox their 600th win.

Tight Division

Even with identical 3-5 record in West Coast League play, the AppleSox are by no means in trouble. The North Division-leading Bellingham Bells (8-5) are only 2.5-games ahead of the Sox and have three games at hand.