AppleSox Host Kamloops In Potential Playoff Preview
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The AppleSox face the Kamloops NorthPaws tonight in the first-ever meeting between the two teams at 6:35 p.m. at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.
Their first encounter comes at a time when both are in the thick of the North Division playoff race. Kamloops holds the second-best record in the North with a 17-16 mark while Wenatchee is a place behind them at 17-16. However, the AppleSox lead the North in the second half with a 5-4 record while the NorthPaws are 4-6. If the season ended today the two teams would meet in the North Division Series with Wenatchee holding home-field advantage and thus hosting Games 2 and (if necessary) 3.
The AppleSox are in first in the second half despite dropping two-of-three series. They lost two-of-three to the Kelowna Falcons two weeks ago, swept the Nanaimo NightOwls and then took one-of-three against the Corvallis Knights this past weekend. Wenatchee had opportunities to walk off in every game but only celebrated on Saturday night.
Kamloops defeated the Port Angeles Lefties, 3-1, last night in a makeup game at Civic Field. The NorthPaws were off this past weekend but lost back-to-back series before that, getting swept by Yakima Valley and losing two-of-three to Victoria prior. They opened the season on a tear at 16-11 but have lost five-of-their-last-six games.
Quincy Vassar returns to the starting rotation after appearing in relief on Saturday for the AppleSox. He allowed two runs on two hits and a walk in one inning against Corvallis. Prior to that Vassar had a dominant start on July 8 when he fired seven shutout innings and struck out seven against Nanaimo. The Brewster, Wash. native has tossed at least five innings in four-of-his-five starts. He is 1-3 with a 5.08 ERA in seven games, five starts, over 28.1 innings. Vassar has struck out 31, walked nine and allowed 33 hits.
Kamloops sends southpaw Colby Ring to the mound for his seventh start of the summer. He last pitched six days ago in relief, allowing three runs on two hits and two walks in 0.1 innings against Yakima Valley. He held a very strong 1.88 ERA through his first six games spanning 24 innings, but has been roughed up in his last two games, including allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks in 1.2 innings at Victoria on July 9. Ring is 2-1 with a 4.84 ERA in eight games, six starts, over 26 innings. He has struck out 23, walked 23 and allowed 26 hits.
Tonight’s game is another $2 Off Tuesday. Fans can purchase discounted tickets to the game for as affordable at $5 for general admission seats and $10 for reserved premium seating. Hot dogs, burgers and Coors draft pours are also $2 off. Fans can also save 20-percent on AppleSox merchandise purchased at the third-base souvenir stand.
In addition to all the exciting $2 Off Tuesday savings it is also a Taco Tuesday. Purchase three tacos at the concession stand for just $7. Tickets can be purchased at saferseating.com.
Tonight’s game can be listened to live on kcsyfm.com on your computer or smart phone. If you live in Washington you can listen on your radio on any of the following stations:
· Wenatchee: 93.9 FM
· East Wenatchee/Rock Island: 98.1 FM
· Lake Chelan Valley: 95.3 FM
· Brewster/Pateros: 101.3 FM
· Okanogan Valley: 101.9 FM
· Omak/Tonasket/Oroville: 97.7 FM
· Methow Valley: 106.3 FM
Coverage of tonight’s game begins at 6:10 p.m. with the Horan Estates Winery Pregame Show. Stick around after the game to hear the postgame show with player and coach interviews if the AppleSox win.
