Early Hole Plagues AppleSox Thursday

The Yakima Valley Pippins scored six runs in the bottom of the first inning and defeated the Wenatchee AppleSox, 7-6, on Thursday night at Yakima County Stadium.

Wenatchee (13-5) rallied back from the early hole to come as close as putting the tying run on base in each of the final two innings. Cannon Peery and Luca Boscarino both recorded base hits to extend their respective hitting streaks to seven games.

The AppleSox immediately responded after the lengthy first by scoring two runs in the top of the second inning. Peery and Boscarino recorded backto-back singles and Boscarino got caught in a rundown between first and second that allowed for Peery to score but the Pippins were unable to complete the tag oBoscarino as he advanced into scoring position. He later scored on a two-out RBI single by Elijah Pelayo.

Wenatchee continued to rally, plating two runs in the fifth inning on an RBI double by Aidan Dougherty and an RBI single by Max Hartman to cut the deficit to two. Donovann Jackson entered with runners and first and second and recorded the next nine outs consecutively.

The AppleSox brought the game back within reach in the bottom of the eighth inning after surrendering an insurance run in the seventh. Hunter Friedberg reached on a bases-loaded two-out infield single to score Kade Benavidez from third. Peery hustled home all the way from second to make it a one-run game.

The AppleSox could not bring home the tying run from second but put the tying run on base again in the ninth when Dougherty reached on a one-out error. He was caught stealing shortly after and Wenatchee suffered its first series loss of the season.

Wenatchee is a game ahead of Bellingham and Edmonton for first place in the North Division with nine games remaining in the first half. The AppleSox return home to open up a six-game homestand against the Walla Walla Sweets. Friday is Superhero Night, Saturday’s game is presented by Weinstein Beverage and is also Scout Night while Sunday is Bark In The Park Night presented by Earthwise Pet Shop. Tickets are available at applesox.com/schedule