AppleSox Take Weekend Series vs. Kamloops

Trent Liolios picked up two hits, including his first home run of the summer, and the Wenatchee AppleSox defeated the Kamloops NorthPaws, 5-1, on Saturday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Liolios launched a two-run shot over the right-field fence with two outs in the eighth to plate the AppleSox’ second and third runs of the inning.

Wenatchee (21-8) earned its eighth series victory of the summer thanks to a late push. The AppleSox trailed 1-0 after six innings before evening the game up in the seventh and taking the lead in the eighth. The victory gives Wenatchee the best overall record in the West Coast League and an opportunity to earn its fourth sweep of the summer on Sunday.

Mason Strong directly contributed to the tying and go-ahead runs scoring in the sixth and seventh, respectively. He doubled to lead off the sixth, was sacrificed to third and scored on a balk. An inning later he hit a sacrifice fly to drive in a run after a pair of walks to open up the frame.

The biggest play of the game came while the game was still tied in in the top of the seventh when the AppleSox recorded a big out at home plate. Robin Villenueve singled into left field with runners at first and second but a perfect relay home prevented Gage Mestas from scoring from second. Leftfielder Josh Williams fired a strike to the cutoff man, third baseman Brandham Ponce, who turned and sent a perfect throw to catcher Carson Ohland.

Griffin Allen recorded the win with 3.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen in his AppleSox debut. Joey Pearson struck out the side in a 1-2-3 ninth inning to seal the win.

Wenatchee looks to earn its fourth sweep of the summer when it hosts the NorthPaws at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday in the series finale. It’s a Family Fun Day with a baseball card giveaway to fans who arrive early. There will also be live music after the game performed by Chris Jones and kids can run the bases as well.