AppleSox Walk Off Drifters

The Wenatchee AppleSox scored on an error in the bottom of the 10th inning and defeated the Springfield Drifters, 4-3, on Wednesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th inning and one out Austin Ohland grounded a ball to the right side of the infield that was bobbled and allowed every to be safe, including Easton Amundson coming home from third with the winning run. Ohland, who went 2-for-5 in his second game with the AppleSox, came to the plate facing a new pitcher after Amundson drew a walk and Austin Bunn and Brandham Ponce were both hit by pitches with one out.

The AppleSox matched their 2022 walkoff output in only their second home game of the 2023 season. They did so by rallying back from a 3-0 deficit after three-and-a-half innings to score the final four runs of the game.

The comeback was made possible thanks to the brilliant work of Evan Canfield, who struck out nine hitters and only allowed one hit and one walk in five shutout innings. Canfield, who tossed three-or-more innings in relief four times in six appearances out of the bullpen last summer, punched out four in a row from the last out of the sixth through the final out of the seventh.

Jacob Dahlstrom had a strong first start of the summer for Wenatchee as he struck out seven and allowed three runs (one earned) in five innings. He recorded a pickoff in the third and ending three different innings with strikeouts.

Amundson plated the first run of the game for the AppleSox in the bottom of the fourth when he led off with his first home run of the season on a long drive to right-center field that hit off the top of the wall and went over it for the AppleSox’ third home run in as many games. Wenatchee is a game away from matching last season’s high of hitting home runs in four straight games June 28-July 1.

Fred Buckson delivered a two-out RBI single in the seventh to cut the deficit to one and Reeve Boyd led off the eighth with a double before scoring three batters later on a couple of errors.

The two Wenatchee errors directly led to Springfield runs. An errant pickoff attempt in the second put a man in scoring position before a walk and a two-out two-run double in the second inning. A leadoff double and a two-out error in the fourth plated the Drifters’ final run of the night.

The AppleSox wrap up the series against the Drifters on Friday night at 6:35 p.m. in their first rubber match of the season. It’s the AppleSox’ first Thirsty Thursday at the ballpark. General admission tickets are just $3 and there will be discounts on select adult beverages all game. Purchase tickets now at applesox.com/2023-schedule.

AppleSox Look To Even Up First Home Series Against Drifters

GAME NOTES

The Wenatchee AppleSox look to even up their home-opening series against the Springfield Drifters as they face them tonight at 6:35 p.m. at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. Springfield spoiled Wenatchee's home opener last night with a 5-4 win victory. The two teams committed four errors a piece but it was the Drifters' four-run inning that proved to be the difference.

After recording several crooked innings offensively the AppleSox gave up their first four-run-or-more inning last night. Wenatchee had previously allowed three runs to score in the bottom of the first inning in each of the first two games of the season on the road at Bend. The AppleSox rallied to eventually win both of those games but only scored two more runs last night after the Drifters' outburst. Wenatchee has scored four-or-more runs in an inning twice this season with five runs in the top of the third in the season opener against Bend on Opening Day and then with an eight-run top of the seventh inning on Sunday night to secure the series sweep.

Tonight is the second game of a six-game homestand for Wenatchee. he AppleSox opened up the home slate 0-1 but look to rectify that number tonight. Wenatchee went 15-12 at home in league play a season ago and is 301-210 all-time at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium in league games. The AppleSox' best single-season performance at home was in 2013, when they finished 20-6 when playing in the Apple Capital. That season marked the second consecutive year that the AppleSox won 20 games at home after posting a 20-7 mark the year before.

Wenatchee will start Jacob Dahlstrom for his first appearance this summer. The right-hander from Vanguard recorded a 4.35 ERA this spring as a junior and now rejoins his Lions' teammates Fred Buckson and Quincy Vassar on the AppleSox. Dahlstrom struck out 68 hitters and issued 25 walks over 63 innings in 13 games (11 starts). He previously pitched in 12 games for the Walla Walla Sweets for the Walla Walla Sweets in 2021. Dahlstrom had a 7.26 ERA with 33 strikeouts to 19 walks over 26 innings and started five of the 12 games that he pitched in.

Springfield has not announced a probable pitcher for tonight's game.

Tonight is the first WINatchee Wednesday of the season! Just by purchasing a ticket to tonight’s game you are eligible to win prizes to local businesses. Keep your ears open in the middle innings and you may hear that you are a winner. Check out all of the 2023 AppleSox Promotional Nights here.

Fans can tune in to the action tonight and all season long on KCSY Sunny FM. Pregame coverage begins at 6:10 p.m. You can listen online worldwide at kcsyfm.com, the TuneIn radio app or on one of the following translators.

  • 93.9 FM in Wenatchee

  • 95.3 FM in the Lake Chelan Valley

  • 97.7 FMin Omak, Riverside, Tonasket and Oroville

  • 98.1 FM in East Wenatchee, Rock Island and Quincy

  • 101.3 FM in Brewster and Pateros

  • 106.3 FM in the Methow Valley

All West Coast League games can also be watched on wcleague.watch.pixellot.tv.

AppleSox Drop Home Opener To Drifters

Aidan Van Rensum homered and Garrett Gores reached base four times but the Wenatchee AppleSox dropped the first game of the three-game set to the Springfield Drifters, 5-4, on Tuesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Wenatchee (3-1) suffered its first loss of the season in its first home game of the 2023 season. It scored first in the bottom of the first inning but could not overcome giving up four runs in the third inning. Springfield (4-0) sent all nine men to the plate in the fourth and cashed in on three errors in the frame.

Michael Cunneely shined on the mound, tossing three scoreless innings of relief. He struck out each of the final four hitters that he faced in his summer debut.

Ty Kennedy picked up a hit for a fourth consecutive game with an infield knock that drew a throwing error and put him at second base immediately to open up the bottom of the first inning. A passed ball and a wild pitch brought him home to put the AppleSox up, 1-0.

A pair of two-out walks followed by a Drifters error gave the AppleSox a run in the fourth but Springfield got the run back in the sixth on a two-out single before Van Rensum led off the seventh with his first home run of the season. Wenatchee scored its final run in the ninth on a fielder’s choice but stranded the tying run at second base.

The AppleSox to even up their home-opening series on Wednesday when they face the Drifters again at 6:35 p.m. It’s a WINatchee Wednesday as all fans are able to win prizes from local businesses just by attending the game. Tickets can be purchased at applesox.com/2023-schedule.

AppleSox Host Springfield In 2023 Home Opener

GAME NOTES

The Wenatchee AppleSox play their first home game of the 2023 season tonight at 6:35 against the Springfield Drifters at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

The AppleSox and the Drifters both come into tonight's game undefeated after sweeping the Bend Elks and the Port Angeles Lefties, respectively, this past weekend. Wenatchee eeked out a two-run win on Friday and a one-run win on Saturday before blowing out the Elks, 12-1, thanks in part to an eight-run seventh inning on Sunday. Springfield walked off Port Angeles on Friday night before picking up comfortable 18-2 and 8-2 wins.

The AppleSox are off to a 3-0 start for the fifth time in franchise history and for the first time since 2009. Wenatchee also won its first three games in 2001, 2003 and 2005. The franchise record for consecutive wins to open the season is five games, accomplished in 2001 and 2005. Wenatchee won a League Championship three times in the previous four instances that it began a season 3-0 (2003, 2005 and 2009).

AppleSox fans will get their first chance to see plenty of new players in action while also welcoming back some familiar faces tonight. Infielder Ty Kennedy is tied for the WCL lead in RBI with five thanks to three runs driven in via a bases-clearing double in the seventh inning on Sunday. Garrett Gores shined as a pitcher last summer on the AppleSox but has batted in the middle of the order in each of the the last two games and picked up four hits in nine at-bats, including a solo home run in the fifth inning on Sunday.

Wenatchee will send Brewster native Quincy Vassar to the mound for the home-opener start. Vassar was the last AppleSox pitcher to start a game at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium after firing seven strong innings to earn the win against the Kamloops NorthPaws in the North Division Series last Aug. 10. He recorded a 4.73 ERA with 45 strikeouts to 12 walks over 38 innings in nine regular-season games (seven starts) last season with the AppleSox. The incoming senior at Vanguard posted a 4.50 ERA along with 41 strikeouts to 21 walks over 38 innings in 17 games (three starts) as a junior at Vanguard.

Springfield counters with Steyr Brinkley from Lane Community College for his first appearance of the summer. He recorded a 5.76 ERA with 47 strikeouts to 28 walks over 29.2 innings in 13 games (five starts) as a sophomore.

Tonight is the first $2 Off Tuesday of the season. Fans can purchase general admission tickets for as affordable as $5 and can save $2 off select food and drinks. Fans can also donate a canned food item at the gate and receive free admission thanks to the home opener sponsor, Townsquare Media.

Fans can tune in to the action tonight and all season long on KCSY Sunny FM. Pregame coverage begins at 5:40 p.m. You can listen online worldwide at kcsyfm.com, the TuneIn radio app or on one of the following translators.

  • 93.9 FM in Wenatchee

  • 95.3 FM in the Lake Chelan Valley

  • 97.7 FMin Omak, Riverside, Tonasket and Oroville

  • 98.1 FM in East Wenatchee, Rock Island and Quincy

  • 101.3 FM in Brewster and Pateros

  • 106.3 FM in the Methow Valley

AppleSox Sweep Bend To Cap Road Trip

The Wenatchee AppleSox scored eight runs in the seventh inning and defeated the Bend Elks, 12-1, on Sunday night at Vince Genna Stadium.

Cam Hoiland struck out six and only allowed two hits over six innings on the mound in the longest start by an AppleSox pitcher through three games. After allowing a run in the first inning Hoiland (1-0) retired 13 consecutive hitters and faced the minimum from the second through fifth innings.

Garrett Gores homered in the fifth drove in two more runs with two RBI singles. Easton Amundson also recorded a two-hit game with a pair of doubles and a single. Wenatchee (3-0) hitters drew nine walks and were hit by four pitches with Travis Helm getting clipped three times.

The AppleSox earned their first-ever sweep of the Elks in the 23-year history of the two teams and open up the season 3-0 for the first time since 2009. This is the fifth time in franchise history that the AppleSox have won their first three league games of a season (2001, 2003, 2005).

Aiden Van Rensum got the AppleSox on the board first for the first time this season with a two-out RBI single to plate a pair of runs in the top of the first inning. Wenatchee surrendered a run in the bottom of the first for the third time this season but retained a 2-1 lead after one inning.

Gores went deep on the first pitch that he saw off the fifth inning and Hoiland escaped a bases-loaded jam in the sixth before Wenatchee went to work in the seventh. Thirteen men came to the plate and eight scored on four hits and two errors. Ty Kennedy delivered the biggest hit of the inning with a bases-clearing double as the ninth hitter of the inning.

Joey Pearson tossed two scoreless innings, including escaping a one-out bases-loaded jam in the eighth inning. Keegan Adams fired a scoreless ninth to seal the sweep.

Wenatchee is off on Monday before playing its home opener on Tuesday night against the Springfield Drifters. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. and it’s the first $2 Off Tuesday of the season. Fans can purchase general admission tickets for as affordable as $5 and can save $2 off select food and drinks. Fans can also donate a canned food item at the gate and receive free admission thanks to the home opener sponsor, Townsquare Media.

AppleSox Wrap Up Road Trip To Bend

The Wenatchee AppleSox look for a perfect road trip as they face the Bend Elks again tonight at 5:05 p.m. at Vince Genna Stadium.

The AppleSox are 2-0 to open the 2023 season after a 6-4 win on Friday night and then a 4-3 win last night. They have overcome three-run first-inning deficits in each of the last two games. Wenatchee was 9-18 in 2023 when its opponent scored first.

Third baseman Ty Kennedy is off to a strong start at the plate, batting .375 through his first two games. The redshirt freshman at Washington State reached base three times via a hit and two walks on Friday and then recorded two hits and stole a bag last night.

The AppleSox send left-hander Cam Hoiland to the mound for his first start of the season. Hoiland has batted sixth and played center field for the AppleSox in the first two games of the season but now gets an opportunity on the mound. He recorded a 1.43 ERA with 88 strikeouts and 30 walks over 75.1 innings in 14 games (all starts) at Bellevue. Hoiland is transferring to Cal Poly and played in the Independence League last summer with the Spearfish Sasquatch. He started three of the seven games that he pitched in and posted a 3.48 ERA with 28 strikeouts and 16 walks over 31 innings.

Bend has not announced a probable pitcher for the game.

Fans can tune in to the action tonight and all season long on KCSY Sunny FM. Pregame coverage begins at 5:40 p.m. You can listen online worldwide at kcsyfm.com, the TuneIn radio app or on one of the following translators.

  • 93.9 FM in Wenatchee

  • 95.3 FM in the Lake Chelan Valley

  • 97.7 FMin Omak, Riverside, Tonasket and Oroville

  • 98.1 FM in East Wenatchee, Rock Island and Quincy

  • 101.3 FM in Brewster and Pateros

  • 106.3 FM in the Methow Valley

AppleSox Improve To 2-0 In 2023

The Wenatchee AppleSox overcame a three-run first-inning deficit for a second straight day to defeat the Bend Elks, 4-3, on Saturday night at Vince Genna Stadium.

Austin Bunn singled in the go-ahead run with two outs in the seventh inning and Toby Haarer tossed three scoreless innings to earn the win.

Bunn reached out to hit a ball into right field over the second baseman’s head and score Ty Kennedy from second base after he reached earlier in the inning on a one-out double.

Haarer (1-0) struck out two over his three innings with both of them coming to end the eighth and ninth innings. He did not allow a hit until there were two outs in the ninth inning.

Bend took the lead with a three spot in the third inning for the second straight day but AppleSox starter Ryan Martinez buckled down to silence the Elks over the next four innings while Wenatchee’s bats went to work. Kennedy singled in Cade Westerlund in the third after Westerlund drew a walk and went to second on a balk. Gores doubled in Bunn the next inning after Bunn led off the fourth with a single and then a groundout scored Gores two batters after his extra-base hit.

The AppleSox look to make it a 3-0 road trip to Bend as they face the Elks again at 5:05 p.m. on Sunday in the series finale. Cam Hoiland will get the start after recording a 1.43 ERA in 14 games (all starts) this spring.

Listen to the latest edition of the AppleSox Podcast below to hear a recap of the game, highlights from the game and interviews with Kennedy, pitching coach Mike Callia and Gores.

AppleSox Look To Take Season-Opening Series Against Bend

GAME NOTES

The AppleSox face the Bend Elks tonight at 6:35 p.m. at Vince Genna Stadium in the second game of their first series of the 2023 season.

Wenatchee won its Opening Night game against Bend last night with a 6-4 win thanks to a five-run third inning and five dominant innings of relief from Luke Meyers. He punched out six hitters and did not allow any runs until the second out of the ninth inning.

The AppleSox quieted the Elks’ bats from the second through eighth innings, not allowing any hits and only six hitters to reach base safely. Elks hitters went 31 consecutive plate appearances without a base hit before one-out double in the ninth.

AppleSox hitters only collected four hits but cashed in thanks to eight walks, including at least one in five-of-the first-six innings. Their third-inning outburst was eerily reminiscent of a characteristic of the 2022 AppleSox; Wenatchee scored five-or-more runs in an inning 20 times last summer.

A win tonight or tomorrow would give the AppleSox their first series victory of the season and their first at Bend since 2019. Wenatchee lost its first two road series last season, dropping three games at Bend before falling three times at Bellingham.

Wenatchee sends Ryan Martinez to the mound for his first start of the summer. The right-hander from Pacific posted an 8.46 ERA in 19 games (three starts) as a freshman. Martinez struck out 19 and allowed 36 hits along with 14 walks in 27.2 innings. His most recent outing was a scoreless inning of work against Loyola Marymount on May 19. Martinez’s longest outing of the spring was a four-inning effort against Cal on April 3.

Bend sends lefty Ryan Rembisz from Portland to the mound after tossing four different right-handed pitchers last night. He recorded a 4.82 ERA with 22 strikeouts, nine walks and 21 hits over 18.2 innings in 15 games (one start).

Fans can tune in to the action tonight and all season long on KCSY Sunny FM. Pregame coverage begins at 6:10 p.m. You can listen online worldwide at kcsyfm.com, the TuneIn radio app or on one of the following translators.

  • 93.9 FM in Wenatchee

  • 95.3 FM in the Lake Chelan Valley

  • 97.7 FMin Omak, Riverside, Tonasket and Oroville

  • 98.1 FM in East Wenatchee, Rock Island and Quincy

  • 101.3 FM in Brewster and Pateros

  • 106.3 FM in the Methow Valley

Meyers Shuts Door, AppleSox Win Season Opener

Luke Meyers struck out six over the final five innings in relief and the Wenatchee AppleSox began the 2023 season with a 6-4 win over the Bend Elks on Friday night at Vince Genna Stadium.

Meyers (1-0) entered in the fifth inning and went the distance in his first outing in an AppleSox uniform. Wenatchee scored five runs in the third inning to erase an early 3-0 deficit.

Meyers flirted with danger in the eighth and ninth innings but escaped the first time and limited the damage the second time. After the first two hitters reached in the eighth he punched out the next three hitters in order. Prior to the eighth he only allowed two batters to reach in the previous three innings.

Marcus Harrison, Travis Helm and Ty Kennedy all reached base three times and all of them contributed in the big third inning. Helm led off with a single, the AppleSox’ first hit of the game and then Aiden Van Ransom, Nino Vultaggio and Kennedy all reached on walks to drive in the first run. Harrison singled to left to drive in Van Ransom before Vultaggio scored on a wild pitch. Easton Amundson and Austin Bunn hit consecutive sacrifice flies to score the final two runs.

That response came after surrendering three runs in the first inning when each of the Elks first three hitters reached base and came around to score. The 5-3 score held from the third inning to the ninth when Amundson delivered a two-out RBI single and the Elks got the run back in the bottom of the frame on an RBI groundout.

The AppleSox improved to 15-8 all time in season openers with the win on Friday night. A win on Saturday or Sunday would give the AppleSox their first series win at Bend since 2019. First pitch on Saturday night is at 6:35 p.m. and Ryan Martinez makes his first start of the summer for the AppleSox.

Listen to the AppleSox Podcast below to hear a recap of the game as well as interviews with Meyers and head coach Mitch Darlington.

AppleSox Begin 2023 Season At Bend

GAME NOTES

The Wenatchee AppleSox open up the 2023 season on Friday, June 2, against the Bend Elks at 6:35 p.m. at Vince Genna Stadium. Wenatchee and Bend are opening up a season against each other at the same location for the second straight season.

The AppleSox advanced to the North Division Championship Game last season by sweeping the Kamloops NorthPaws in the North Division Semifinals. Wenatchee ultimately fell to the Bellingham Bells, 4-2, to end its season. Wenatchee shattered single-season team records for walks (281), runs (388), stolen bases (106) and RBI (299) while leading the WCL in runs and hits (549). The AppleSox finished in the top five in the WCL in 2022 for batting average (.285, second), RBI (second), walks (third), on-base percentage (.390, third), OPS (.765, third), stolen bases (fourth) and slugging percentage (.375, fifth). Ten players who appeared in at least one game for the AppleSox last summer are signed to play this summer.

The Elks finished with a winning record (28-26) in 2022 for the first time since winning the WCL Championship in 2015 but fell just short of a playoff berth. They took five-of-the-six games against the AppleSox last season and both squads combined to score at least 14 runs in all but one matchup. Bend led all teams in walks drawn (304) while also hitting the second-most home runs (34) and scoring the second-most runs (375) in the WCL in 2022. Former AppleSox outfielder Steven Meier is signed with the Elks this season.

Right-handed pitcher Garrett Gores returns for his second summer with the club and gets the Opening-Day nod tonight. The Spokane native was named All-NWAC MVP and NWAC East Region MVP this spring by recording a 1.15 ERA in 13 games (all starts) with 92 strikeouts to only 19 walks. Gores also excelled as a position player, batting .344 with 14 extra-base hits and winning an All-NWAC East Region Gold Glove at first base.

Bend counters with Dylan MacCallum from Pepperdine. He recorded a 6.53 ERA in 14 appearances this spring, all in relief. The right-hander from Portland struck out 12 and walked 16 in 20.2 innings but limited opponents to a .240 batting average.

Fans can tune in to the action tonight and all season long on KCSY Sunny FM. Pregame coverage begins at 6:10 p.m. You can listen online worldwide at kcsyfm.com, the TuneIn radio app or on one of the following translators.

  • 93.9 FM in Wenatchee

  • 95.3 FM in the Lake Chelan Valley

  • 97.7 FMin Omak, Riverside, Tonasket and Oroville

  • 98.1 FM in East Wenatchee, Rock Island and Quincy

  • 101.3 FM in Brewster and Pateros

  • 106.3 FM in the Methow Valley

AppleSox Reveal 2023 Promotions

The 2023 season begins tomorrow and the Wenatchee AppleSox have unveiled the promotions and theme nights for the 23rd season in franchise history.

The popular July 3 Fireworks Night returns following the AppleSox’ 7:05 p.m. game against the DubSea Fish Sticks. There will also be a fireworks show on the first Saturday night home game of the season on June 10 following the AppleSox’ 7:05 p.m. game against the Victoria HarbourCats.

Popular week night themes such as $2 Off Tuesdays, WINatchee Wednesdays and Family Fun Sundays return for a second straight season. All tickets and select food and drink items at the third-base concession stand are $2 off each Tuesday.

Each Wednesday night you can walk away a winner just by attending the game. One lucky fan will win a prize from a local business during each inning from the third through the sixth inning.

Family Fun Days return with another exciting element. Arrive early and you’ll receive baseball cards of AppleSox players. Stick around after the game for a live music performance by a local artist or group each Sunday afternoon and kids can run the bases. Each postgame performance will last for 35-40 minutes after the conclusion of the game and concessions will remain open.

New this season are Thirsty Thursdays. For each AppleSox home game played on a Thursday fans can purchase general admission tickets for as affordable as $3 and also save on adult beverage purchases at the concession stand.

Single-game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at applesox.com/2023-schedule. The best way to enjoy the season is with season tickets, which run as affordable as $145 for all 31 home games and can be purchased by calling 509-665-6900 or emailing allie@applesox.com.

Check out a full list of the 2023 promotions below.

June 6: Opening Night presented by Townsquare Media. $2 Off Tuesday

June 7: WINatchee Wednesday.

June 8: Wenatchee Valley College Night. Thirsty Thursday

June 9-11: Youth Baseball Weekend: Kids get $5 general admission tickets if they wear their youth team jersey.

June 9: Skydive Chelan Night: Pregame skydive onto field.

June 10: Fireworks Night presented by Comfort Suites and The Sleep Inn.

June 11: IBEW-191 Sponsored Game. Family Fun Day. Wenatchee High School Mariachi Band Postgame Performance. 

June 16: School’s Out Night: Show student ID at gate, get $5 general admission tickets.

June 17: First Responders Night: Show first responder ID at gate, get $5 general admission tickets.

June 18: Father’s Day. Family Fun Day. Micah J Postgame Music Performance.

June 23: Bark in the Park Night. Bring your dog to the game for free. All owners and their dogs can run the bases after the game.

June 24: College Night. Wear any college gear, get $5 general admission tickets.   

June 27: $2 Off Tuesday

June 28: WINatchee Wednesday.

June 29: Thirsty Thursday

July 3: Fireworks Night presented by Kenady Group.

July 7: Scout Night: Wear your scout uniform to the park, get $5 general admission tickets at the gate.

July 8: Military Appreciation Night. Show military ID at gate, get $5 general admission tickets.

July 9: Family Fun Day. Chris Jones Postgame Music Performance. 

July 18: $2 Off Tuesday.

July 19: WINatchee Wednesday.

July 21: Christmas in July Night

July 22: Pepsi Sponsored Night

July 23: Family Fun Day. The Ramones Cover Band Postgame Performance.

July 25: $2 Off Tuesday.

July 26: Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council Sponsored Night. WINatchee Wednesday.

July 27: Tommy Watanabe Night. Thirsty Thursday.

July 28-30: Hawaiian Weekend.

July 28: Hula Hoop Contest Night: Whoever can do the hula for the longest wins 2024 general admission season tickets and a bat signed by the whole team.

July 29: Worx Gym Night. Limbo Night: The winner of a limbo contest will receive a special AppleSox prize.

July 30: Final Regular Season Home Game. Coconut Bowling: win an AppleSox Hawaiian jersey signed by the whole team and 2024 premium season tickets.

Meet The AppleSox At Our 2023 Fan Fest

We are two weeks away from the AppleSox’ home opener on June 6 but your first opportunity to see the team in action and to meet the players comes on June 1 at team’s annual Fan Fest.

Stop by Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium from 6-7:30 p.m. to watch the team practice and enjoy free hot dogs and hamburgers. Let’s Color Art will also be on hand for face painting at the ballpark. Players will come up to greet fans in the stands after they are finished practicing. Fans who have not picked up their season-ticket badges will be able to do so at the park. Badges will begin to be available for pickup on May 24 at 610 N. Mission Street between 9-5.

The 2023 season begins on June 2 as they AppleSox travel south to take on the Bend Elks. They return home after the three-game road trip for a six-game homestead from June 6-11, including a Fireworks Night on June 10. Single-game tickets can be purchased at applesox.com/2023-schedule and season tickets can be purchased at applesox.com/season-tickets.

Ashworth Returns, Four Others Signed To 2023 AppleSox

AppleSox head coach Mitch Darlington announced on Thursday the addition of five players to the 2023 roster. Two of these players have previous experience in the Apple Capital. Jadon Williamson, Cade Westerlund, Travis Helm, Conner Ashworth and Fred Buckson will all play for the AppleSox in the summer.

Williamson suited up for the AppleSox two seasons ago as a late addition to the roster down the stretch. The right-hander tossed two scoreless outings at the beginning of August, 2021, prior to his redshirt freshman year at Lower Columbia College. Williamson got more work last summer, recording a 4.11 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 19.2 innings over 16 games for the Cowlitz Black Bears.  

The Longview, Wash. native will join the AppleSox on a 10-day contract at the conclusion of his sophomore year with the Red Devils. Williamson has not allowed any runs in 10.1 innings over three games. His most recent outing of 6.2 scoreless innings of relief with nine strikeouts this past Friday against Centralia was his finest effort to date this spring. 

“If you follow the West Coast League or AppleSox baseball,” Darlington said, “you know that pitching is a premium in this league so there is a chance that Jadon could stick around the whole summer for us. He’s really gotten into a groove lately (after he) wasn’t able to pitch early on in the season but is back and fully healthy.”

Westerlund is the first-of-two catchers joining the AppleSox this week on 10-day contracts. The sophomore at Everett Community College leads the Trojans with five home runs and 31 walks while also posting an impressive .407 on-base percentage.

The Billings, Mont. native began his collegiate career at Yavapai, where he slashed .247/.360/.342 in 26 games. Westerlund graduated from Mountain Pointe High School in 2021 and hit .377 with four home runs and .500 on-base percentage in 18 games. 

“A really good defensive catcher. For me at the catching position the defense has to be the number one thing. I love a good defensive catcher who can control the running game, can receive well, can learn from his pitching staff and call a good game. The bat is just a bonus. He definitely has some juice with the bat though.”

Helm is another 10-day contract signed by the AppleSox to bolster the catching position early on. He is coming off a strong year at Central Washington where he led the Wildcats in RBI, walks, hit by pitches and on-base percentage to earn Second Team All-GNAC honors. He’ll join his teammate and fellow backstop Austin Ohland on this summer’s team.

The Beaverton, Ore. native has previous experience in the WCL, primarily playing for non-league teams. He appeared in two games for the Portland Gherkins in non-league action before later playing in a pair of games for the Port Angeles Lefties in league play. Helm got his first taste of college baseball action in 2021. With Clark College not competing that spring he and many other Penguins played for the Northwest Star Academy. Helm recorded a .373 on-base percentage in 18 games for the Nighthawks, including going 2-for-5 with a double and 2 RBI against the AppleSox on June 2 that summer. 

“Central’s coaching staff has had nothing but good things to say about Travis,” Darlington said. “I reached out to see if they had another catcher available and they really wanted to get Travis with us. You get a guy like Travis who is really proven at the plate and also is hungry to get some playing time behind the plate and it’s the perfect combo. Really excited about Cade and Travis and that opening weekend against Bend will be their shot to show me and show our fans what they can do.”

Ashworth has battled injuries over the last year that began last summer but shined in his first season with the AppleSox. He has not pitched this spring at Montana State University Billings after recording an impressive season with the AppleSox. Ashworth recorded a 3.24 ERA in four games (one start) during the regular season before only allowing one run in five innings to earn the win as the starter in Game 1 of the North Division Series at Kamloops. 

The Brewster native and graduate also shined in his summer debut for the AppleSox on June 7 against Port Angeles. Ashworth retired all nine hitters in order, striking out each of the final eight to pick up the win at home. The right-hander also recorded a 2.18 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 20.2 innings for Spokane Falls as a sophomore in 2022.

“He got to Montana in the fall and was still having some lingering issues so he had to shut it down for the whole year,” Darlington said. “He still may be doing some rehab and we probably won’t see him until late June or early July for an in-game appearance but you’ll definitely see Conner out at the park. He’ll be in our dugout, in the bullpen and ramping back up. I’m so excited to have Conner back to have another local kid and a guy who just wants to pitch for us. I put him in the same boat as Quincy (Vassar) where summer baseball almost means more to him than his regular school season. He’s always texting me, giving me updates on his arm and making sure we have a jersey ready for him. He’s just a guy who really cares about our organization and wants to see us do well.” 

Buckson is the final 10-day contract addition from this week and he will shore up the middle of the infield for the AppleSox to begin the season. He is batting .294 with a team-high nine home runs and 45 RBI in 53 games this spring for Vanguard. Buckson is also second on the Lions with 19 stolen bases and 57 hits. 

The Silverdale, Wa. native is a sophomore in eligibility this spring but is playing in his fourth season of college baseball. He played Bellevue from 2020-21, combining to hit .274 with four home runs and 20 RBI over 33 games. Buckson played at Northwestern Oklahoma State University last spring and hit .275 in 20 games before transferring to Vanguard. 

“This is a Quincy find for us,” Darlington said. “I’ve gotta give him his credit. He’s connected to everybody off his own team and a lot of those California schools and they were teammates at Bellevue. He’s an upperclassman with a ton of experience, a ton of games under his belt. He’s had a monster year for Vanguard. Basically played every game at second base. Might see him at second base opening night, could see him bump over to shortstop. Just a good veteran player who is going to start the season with us.”

To hear more about this week’s roster additions please listen to the AppleSox Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Darlington and broadcaster Joel Norman break down the latest on these players and you can also listen to previous episodes to hear more on the AppleSox.

Single-game tickets are now on sale for the 2023 season and can be purchased at applesox.com/2023-schedule. The 23rd season in AppleSox history opens up on June 3 at the Bend Elks before the home opener on June 6. Season tickets lock in your seats for all 31 home games and run as affordable as $145 for general admission bleacher seats while reserved premium seating is $245. Additionally, fans can get 10-ticketDouble Play Ticket Packs for $60. These 10 general-admission ticket punches can all be used at once or spread out over the course of the season over multiple games. To purchase 2023 ticket packages please visit applesox.com/season-tickets, call 509-665-6900 or email allie@applesox.com.

2023 Single-game Tickets Now On Sale

The first Wenatchee AppleSox home game is 22 days away and fans can now purchase single-game tickets for all 31 home games of the 2023 season, the 23rd in AppleSox history, by visiting applesox.com/2023-schedule.

The AppleSox open up the summer schedule on June 2 at the Bend Elks and their home opener is on June 6 against the Springfield Drifters at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. It’s the first-of-four $2 Off Tuesdays where fans can $2 off all tickets and select concession items.

WINatchee Wednesdays also return where fans are eligible to win prizes from local businesses each inning just by attending the game. General admission tickets for Thursday games are once again available for just $3. Stay tuned for a full promotional schedule release.

Single-game tickets are priced at a rate affordable for the whole family. General-admission seating in the bleachers is available for $8 while premium, reserved seating closer to the field can be purchased for $12.

AppleSox season-ticket packages are also currently available. For a rate of less than $5 per game you can purchase general admission season tickets for $145. Premium season tickets are on sale for $245 and both season-ticket plans lock up your seats for all 31 home games in addition to any postseason home games. 10-game flex packs that give fans 10 tickets to be used for any game(s) can be purchased for $60 (a value of $6 per game). Purchase AppleSox ticket packages at applesox.com/season-tickets or by calling 509-665-6900.

Less Than A Month To Go Until 2023 Opening Day

The 2023 AppleSox roster is nearly complete with less than one month to go until Opening Day. Head coach Mitch Darlington announced on Thursday that Mason Strong, Austin Bunn, Aiden Van Rensum, Cam Hoiland and Joseph Rajo will join this summer’s team. 

Strong is in his first year at Oklahoma after beginning his collegiate career at BYU in 2022. Strong only has seven at-bats so far for the Sooners but hit .281 in 12 games last season for the Cougars. He earned West Coast Conference Player of the Week for batting .333, hitting a home run and throwing out two runners in three games April 15-16, 2022. 

The Santa Clara, Utah native hit .421 with 21 extra-base hits at Snow Canyon High School as a senior in 2021. He batted .413 in 60 games over three years of varsity and was the No. 1 ranked catching prospect and No. 5 ranked Utah Prospect by Prep Baseball Report

"Really solid player coming out of high school, very highly recruited,” Darlington said. “Good defensively, blocks and receives well. Solid gap-to-gap hitter. A guy who has some juice and can run one out of the yard."

Bunn is also in his first year at a new school after beginning his playing career at Big Bend Community College. He is batting .269 with a .409 on-base percentage, three home runs and 16 RBI in 33 games at Northern Colorado. Bunn has 10 multi-hit games and is tied for second on the Bears in home runs, is third in walks (18) and is tied for third in doubles (6).  

The Kuna, Idaho, native played two years at Big Bend, batting a combined .389 with 13 home runs and 68 RBI over 61 games in the previous two springs. Bunn earned All-NWAC East Region honors in the outfield in 2022 and was named NWAC Player of the Year in addition to being named an All-American for both seasons. 

“He had some ridiculous numbers at Big Bend and the NWAC in general,” Darlington said. “We didn’t have room for Austin to come in last summer but things come full circle. He reached out about this summer and we had room for a 10-day contract to join the team. He’s a good enough player to be a full-season guy but we had already signed a lot of guys to full contracts.”

Van Rensum is a redshirt freshman at Everett Community College who transferred after not playing at Oregon in 2022. He has a lot of different positions that he can handle between first base, third base and the outfield in addition to working a bit on the mound this spring. Van Rensum is batting .248 in 35 games at the plate and also has a 3.09 ERA in six games on the mound.

The Marysville, Wash. native graduated from Archbishop Mitty High School in 2021 and shined as a sophomore, batting .465 with only two strikeouts in 53 plate appearances. Van Rensum has previous summer collegiate baseball experience with 23 games played for the Everett Merchants over the last two years.

"Really talented outfielder,” Darlington said, “but he can play the corner infield spots as well and has seen some time on the bump which makes him a very valuable 10-day contract for us. We could see him in a lot of different roles."

Hoiland is in his sophomore year at Bellevue College and the two-way standout is committed to play at Cal Poly next year. He is a pitcher and an outfielder with a 1.53 ERA in 11 appearances (all starts) as a pitcher and a .273 batting average in 42 games as a hitter this spring. Hoiland batted .222 in 43 games at the plate and posted a 2.15 ERA in 12 games (one start) on the mound as a freshman.

The Kent native graduated from Kentridge High School in 2021 and hit .365 while recording a 2.96 ERA over two years of varsity baseball. Hoiland played summer baseball for the Spearfish Sasquatch in the Independence League last summer and again excelled as a two-way player, posting a 3.48 ERA in seven games (three starts) while batting .271 in 18 games. 

“I could see him in a relief role for us,” Darlington said. “but you also don’t want to run him too much on the mound just so that you can keep him fresh and playing outfield for you. Good left-handed stick. Another 10-day contract that feels good enough to be a full-summer guy. There’s a chance that we see him beyond those first couple weeks if we can convince him to stay a full summer.” 

Rajo has not pitched yet this spring at Treasure Valley due to injury but is set for a big summer with the AppleSox. He recorded a 4.85 ERA with 16 strikeouts over 13 innings in three games (three starts) in 2022

The Pflugerville, Texas, native graduated from Hendrickson High School in 2021. He recorded a 2.05 ERA over three years, including a 1.66 ERA with 80 strikeouts over 54.2 innings in 14 games (eight starts) in his senior year. 

“He’s originally from Texas,” Darlington said, “and he fits that mold of Texas power right-handed arms. He’s got a low-90’s fastball, a really good breaking pitch and mixes that in with his changeup. Good three-pitch mix, really controls the strike zone and knows how to pitch. I’m really thrilled to have him for a full summer with us.” 

The 23rd season in AppleSox history opens up on June 3 at the Bend Elks before the home opener on June 6. Season tickets lock in your seats for all 31 home games and run as affordable as $145 for general admission bleacher seats while reserved premium seating is $245. Additionally, fans can get 10-ticket Double Play Ticket Packs for $60. These 10 general-admission ticket punches can all be used at once or spread out over the course of the season over multiple games. To purchase 2023 ticket packages please visit applesox.com/season-tickets call 509-665-6900 or email allie@applesox.com.

2023 AppleSox Roster Nearing Full Shape

AppleSox head coach Mitch Darlington announced on Thursday the addition of five players to the AppleSox’ 2023 roster. Marty Kaplan, Trent Liolios, Ryan Martinez, Josh Williams and Spencer Green will all join this summer’s team. 

Kaplan is the first-of-two players from Northwestern. He has appeared in eight games and has a .385 average. The left-handed hitting outfielder only appeared in one game in February but has played in five of Northwestern's last eight games. Kaplan graduated from Harvard Westlake High School (CA) in 2022.

"Randy Flores, the Assistant General Manager and Director of Scouting for the St. Louis Cardinals, is a family friend of his,” Darlington said, “and reached out about getting Marty on our team because he had heard good things about Wenatchee. Marty has numerous offers coming out of college. He chose Northwestern over Arizona, Georgia Tech and a few others because his older brother played at Northwestern."

Liolios is also a freshman at Northwestern but has played in 26 of the Wildcats' 34 games so far. He is batting .195 with eight extra-base hits and 15 RBIs in his first year with Northwestern while working as a corner infielder. The Newport Beach, Calif. native hit .270 in 32 games last spring as a senior at Newport Harbor High School

"I've got him slotted to play at third base but he can also play first and pitch a little,” Darlington said. “In the fall when we signed him it sounded like the bulk of his work was going to come on the mound. It makes me think that he may have just torn the ball off the cover in the fall to earn a spot in the lineup this spring."

Martinez is in his freshman year at the University of the Pacific (CA). The right-handed has an 8.34 ERA with 14 strikeouts and 13 walks over 21.2 innings in 14 games (three starts). Martinez’s best outing came on Feb 25, when he tossed 3.1 scoreless innings against Milwaukee in his second collegiate appearance. The Las Vegas, Nev. native graduated from Centennial High School last year. 

“His swing-and-miss pitch is a little different,” Martinez said, “and I’ve had some conversations with him about it. He throws a knuckle curve, it’s his go-to swing-and-miss strikeout pitch. He says it’s not a true 12-6 over the top, it’s not really a true slider, it’s just in between and moves sometimes where even he doesn’t know.”

Williams comes to the AppleSox after a big summer last year with the Walla Walla Sweets. He hit .315 with six home runs in 28 games while patrolling the outfield. The Clovis, Calif. Native recorded 11 multi-hit games, including a 2-for-4 game against the AppleSox on July 23. Williams is in his redshirt freshman year at UC Santa Barbara and is batting .217 through 23 at-bats in 27 games. 

“I really think he’s going to have a good summer for us,” Darlington said. “He’s one of those California kids who is going to show up late in mid-June. The nice thing is he is going to be able to stay full season for us and hopefully go on a playoff run and we can keep a talented guy like that on the roster for the full summer.”

Green is in his senior year at Richland High School and is not committed to a college yet. He had originally announced he was joining Oregon State before decommitting. Green was ranked in February as the fourth-best player in Washington state by Perfect Game.

“He’s talented,” Darlington said. “He’s got a low-90’s fastball, a good breaking pitch, just next-level stuff. Really excited to see what he does for us. I could see him in a starting role if he is fully healthy and ready to go.” 

Listen now to the AppleSox Podcast to hear more of Darlington’s thoughts on the five players signed. You can listen to it and other previous roster-release episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Ticket packages for the AppleSox’ 23rd season are now on sale. Season tickets lock in your seats for all 31 home games and run as affordable as $145 for general admission bleacher seats while reserved premium seating is $245. Additionally, fans can get 10-ticket Double Play Ticket Packs for $60. These 10 general-admission ticket punches can all be used at once or spread out over the course of the season over multiple games. To purchase 2023 ticket packages please visit applesox.com/season-tickets call 509-665-6900 or email allie@applesox.com.

AppleSox Sign Chelan Lefty, Four Others To 2023 Roster

AppleSox head coach Mitch Darlington announced on Thursday the addition of five players to the AppleSox’ 2023 roster. Braiden Boyd, Ty Kennedy, Samuel Round, Carson Ohland and Austin Ohland are signed to play for the AppleSox this summer.

Boyd’s prior experience with the AppleSox is limited to one game but it was a memorable one as he made his collegiate debut on Aug. 1, 2022. The southpaw from Chelan struck out three hitters in two innings in a non-league game against the Cascade Collegiate League showcase team prior to beginning his senior year of high school a few weeks later. 

Boyd was part of Chelan’s fourth-place team at the 1A State Tournament prior to suiting up for the AppleSox three months later. He is committed to play at Washington State in 2024 following his graduation from Chelan High School this spring. 

“I’ve had a chance to get to see him a lot from just living in Chelan for the last few years,” Darlington said. “The big thing that jumps out is he is super projectability but he’s also got the right demeanor for a pitcher so there’s a lot of room to grow for him.”

Kennedy is in his freshman year at Washington State and is looking to make his season debut. The middle infielder from Parker, Colo. came to the Cougars with plenty of acclaim as he was rated the sixth-best overall prospect in Colorado and No. 92 shortstop prospect in the country by Perfect Game.

Kennedy shined in two years at Legend High School, batting .388 over 40 games. Kennedy hit .420 with eight extra-base hits in 2021 as a junior and then followed it up with a .371 average and 19 extra-base hits as a senior a year ago. He also proved to be a threat on the basepaths, stealing 20 bags over his two years of varsity. 

“He is one of those dark horse guys that you need to keep an eye on,” Darlington said. “He is the definition of a true utility guy. He's going to be out here opening day and he's slated to be our shortstop for opening week. He was recruited to Washington State as a shortstop and this fall has converted to a corner outfield type in practice and intersquads. He is a guy who it would not surprise me if he played six or seven positions over the summer.”

Round is a right-handed pitcher and an incoming freshman at Gonzaga. He was a Perfect Game Underclass All-American and Top-500 recruit while playing at Pinnacle High School in Arizona. Round was also a Prep Baseball Report Arizona Future Games Participant. 

He has a 4.89 ERA with 30 strikeouts and 15 walks in 24.1 innings over nine games (five starts). Round has recorded two saves and has also tossed a complete-game shutout. Perfect Game has listed his fastball as high as 91-miles per hour.

"Sam is going to be interesting for us,” Darlington said. “He is a sneaky one who might surprise some people. He has an upper-80's fastball, throws a changeup and a good breaker. Gonzaga just recruits talented arms, whether it’s on their staff right now or guys coming in. That's a credit to their pitching coach, Brandon Harmon. I always trust that what they are sending our way is going to be a good one."

The Ohland brothers will provide the AppleSox a ton of depth from behind the dish. Carson is regarded as one of the top catchers in the country in the Class of 2023. He was named a Preseason High School All-American by Collegiate Baseball and the second-best high-school prospect in Washington by BVM Sports.

The Washington commit is batting .480 with 10 extra-base hits in 17 games this spring as a senior at Tahoma High School a year after hitting .426 in 2022. The 12th-highest catching prospect in the country per Prep Baseball Report is two extra-base hits away from matching last season’s total. 

“He should see plenty of innings behind the dish if his bat os what we are expecting it to be he could see a lot of innings at DH. Definitely going to get some more action behind the dish catching some collegiate arms but is a guy who will be hard to keep out of the lineup on a nightly basis.  

Carson’s older brother, Austin, will also be joining the AppleSox this summer. Austin is a junior at Central Washington and is batting .253 with a team-best six home runs. His average was at .179 through his first 25 games but is batting .354 with eight multi-hit games since March 17. He just had a six-game hitting streak come to an end in the second game of a doubleheader this past Sunday against Western Oregon.

Ohland earned First Team All-GNAC in each of the two previous seasons with the Wildcats. The Maple Valley, Wash. hit .289 in 48 games last season after batting .347 in 27 games in 2021 when he was also GNAC Freshman of the Year. 

“The big thing Austin is going to bring is a power bat,” Darlington said. “He had four in this most recent series against Saint Martin’s. He’s a guy who, when he gets hot, can run them out of the yard. We didn’t have a ton of juice in our lineup last season and Austin helps provide some pop.” 

Listen now to the AppleSox Podcast to hear more of Darlington’s thoughts on the five players signed. You can listen to it and other previous roster-release episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Ticket packages for the AppleSox’ 23rd season are now on sale. Season tickets lock in your seats for all 31 home games and run as affordable as $145 for general admission bleacher seats while reserved premium seating is $245. Additionally, fans can get 10-ticket Double Play Ticket Packs for $60. These 10 general-admission ticket punches can all be used at once or spread out over the course of the season over multiple games. To purchase 2023 ticket packages please visit applesox.com/season-tickets call 509-665-6900 or email allie@applesox.com.

Legumina Becomes 20th AppleSox Alum To Make MLB Debut

Pitcher Casey Legumina became the 20th former Wenatchee AppleSox player to appear in an MLB game when he made his major-league debut on April 15.

Legumina tossed two scoreless innings of relief for the Cincinnati Reds in their 13-0 win over Philadelphia on Saturday. He struck out three, walked one and allowed one hit.

Legumina recorded a 4.90 ERA in five games for the AppleSox in 2016. He struck out 10, walked seven and allowed 10 hits in 7.1 innings. The Chandler, Ariz. native recorded one save when he struck out a pair in a scoreless ninth inning against Corvallis on June 11. 

Legumina also played summer play two years later in the Cape Cod League. He struck out nine, walked one and allowed 10 hits in nine innings over two scoreless starts for the Bourne Braves. 

Legumina was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 25th round of the 2016 MLB Draft in the middle of his AppleSox tenure. He did not sign with Toronto and instead attended Gonzaga and put together a memorable career with the Zags that led to him getting drafted again in the eighth round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Minnesota Twins.  

The 2016 summer was Legumina’s first collegiate action prior to his freshman year at Gonzaga. Legumina recorded a 3.73 ERA with 117 strikeouts, 31 walks and 132 hits in 130.1 innings over 43 games (11 starts) with Gonzaga. The right-hander recorded a school-record 13 saves in 2018 to earn a spot on the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year watch list and All-West Coast Conference First Team honors.

This is the third player from the 2016 AppleSox to appear in an MLB game. Michael Toglia made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies on Aug. 30, 2022, before Ryan Kreidler debuted with the Detroit Tigers a few days later on Sep. 2. 

To learn more about other AppleSox players to appear in an MLB game please visitapplesox.com/applesox-in-the-pros.

2023 Roster Grows With Five More Additions

AppleSox head coach Mitch Darlington announced on Wednesday the addition of five players to the AppleSox’ 2023 roster. Sawyer Hansen, Trei Hough, Marshall Lipsey, Izzy Lopez and MJ Sweeney are signed to play for the AppleSox this summer.

Hansen is a junior at the University of the Incarnate Word and has appeared in one game for the Cardinals this spring. He spent the three previous years at Iowa Western Community College and will be back pitching in his home state this summer. The Puyallup native graduated from Emerald Ridge High School in 2019.

His collegiate career at Iowa Western began with only appearing in one game between the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Hansen would get his most work to date in the 2022 season, recording a 3.86 ERA with 18 strikeouts and three walks in 14 innings over 10 games (one start) for the Reviers.  

“He’s got an upper 80’s to low 90s fastball,” Darlington said, “with a good swing-and-miss breaking ball that is going to play really nicely for us out of our bullpen. I could see him being a high-leverage left-handed arm, a guy to come in and get us out of a tough inning.” 

Hough is in his second year at Jamestown College after beginning his collegiate career at Treasure Valley in 2021. He recorded a 3.30 ERA with 50 strikeouts and 19 walks in 57.1 innings over 12 games (all starts) last year in his first season with the Jimmies. Hough finished second on the team in strikeouts and innings and his finest outing of last season came when he gave up one earned run on four hits over seven innings, striking out six and issuing just one walk in a victory over Doane in the Great Plains Athletic Conference semifinals on May 7, 2022

The Pocatello, Idaho, native comes to the AppleSox thanks to a connection from one of his college teammates, Xander Orejudos, who suited up for the AppleSox in 2022. Orejudos was with the AppleSox from start to finish last summer, batting .317 with 22 runs in 37 games for Wenatchee before adding five hits in three postseason games.

"Honestly I found out about him through Xander,” Darlington said. “Xander shot me a text in the middle of the winter and said 'we've got a guy from Idaho that's interested in coming back out west to pitch for the AppleSox.' I did a little research on him and really liked what he did last year for Jamestown. From everything Xander told me he is the right type of fit for us."

Lipsey has gotten off to a brilliant start with Blinn College in Texas as a freshman, batting .321 with eight home runs, seven doubles and four triples in 40 games. He has more walks (44) than strikeouts (38) and has an impressive .508 on-base percentage for the Buccaneers. He leads Blinn in triples and is tied for first in walks.

The Longview, Texas, native graduated from Spring Hill High School in 2022 and hit an eye-popping .655 with 22 extra-base hits in 38 games. He was originally committed to a premier baseball college in state, but switched that commitment and has continued to thrive with the Buccaneers. 

“We originally signed Marshall from TCU,” Darlington said. “He was there as a true freshman and they sent him to us but he transferred before the start of the spring season. He is having a heck of a spring for them. Not only is Blinn one of the top-10 nationally ranked teams but he’s a good left-handed bat, runs really well in the outfield and is just a good overall hitter.” 

Lopez comes to the AppleSox by way of Missouri State but his college journey begins before that. The middle infielder committed to Texas A&M out of college but redshirted there in 2020. Lopez transferred to McLennan Community College in Texas and spent the next two seasons there. He slashed a combined .277/.378/.390 over 93 games, including driving in 36 runs and collecting more walks (32) than strikeouts (24) in 2022. 

The Fort Worth native was part of the 2021 NJCAA Division-I World Champions and followed it up with an appearance in the JUCO World Series again the next season before transferring to Missouri State. He has appeared in 11 games this spring and comes to the AppleSox with a high defensive acclaim.

“He is going to be a really good defensive option for us,” Darlington said. “He could be a guy who locks down an infield spot all summer. He sounds like that prototypical lockdown shortstop who, whether he is hitting or not, needs to be in the field because his glove is so good.”

Sweeney is a Texas commit who is another big left-handed hitter looking to take advantage of the wind that carries balls out to left field at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium once the sun goes down. He is a senior at St. Augustine High School in California and is batting .310 with four home runs, four doubles and two triples in 10 games. Sweeney is only four extra-base hits away from exceeding last season’s total.  

The Rancho Santa Fe native is the son of former major-leaguer Mike Sweeney, who played in MLB for 16 years, primarily with the Kansas City Royals, from 1995-2010. Mike was a five-time All-Star and spent parts of two seasons with the Seattle Mariners from 2009-10.

“MJ is a big 6-foot-7 left-handed bat,” Darlington said. “He’s got a lot of power but goes the other way really well. He’ll go paint a ball down the left-field line and take his double and then he’ll absolutely turn on a fastball and hit it 400 feet.” 

To hear more of Darlington’s thoughts on these five players signed stay tuned for the newest addition of the AppleSox Podcast tomorrow. You can listen to it and other previous roster-release episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Ticket packages for the AppleSox’ 23rd season are now on sale. Season tickets lock in your seats for all 31 home games and run as affordable as $145 for general admission bleacher seats while reserved premium seating is $245. Additionally, fans can get 10-ticket Double Play Ticket Packs for $60. These 10 general-admission ticket punches can all be used at once or spread out over the course of the season over multiple games. To purchase 2023 ticket packages please visit applesox.com/season-tickets call 509-665-6900 or email allie@applesox.com.

AppleSox Add Four More Players To 2023 Roster

AppleSox head coach Mitch Darlington announced on Wednesday the addition of four players to the AppleSox’ 2023 roster. Griffin Allen, Luke Meyers, Junior Flores and Marcus Harrison will all join this summer’s team.

Allen is in his first season at Ohlone College in California after transferring from Grand Canyon University. He did not pitch in 2022 but has a 2.61 ERA with 42 strikeouts and 13 walks in 38 innings over eight games (six starts). The California Community College Athletic Association awarded him NORCAL conference Pitcher of the Week honors for tossing seven shutout innings with five strikeouts, one walk and one hit on March 4 against San Mateo. 

Allen already has a connection to the AppleSox in that he worked with the team’s pitching coach Mike Callia a summer ago. Allen pitched for the Western Nebraska Pioneers in the Independence League and recorded a 2.55 ERA with 69 strikeouts and 16 walks in 67 innings over 11 games (all starts). He tossed six-or-more innings in seven starts and earned the league’s Pitcher of the Year honor in its inaugural season. 

“I think Griffin Allen is going to be a huge addition for us,” Callia said. “I had the pleasure to coach him last summer and he and I hit it off really well. He’s a really coachable kid and wants to win. When he was reaching out looking for a summer spot and I was in Wenatchee it was a no-brainer. He’s a great teammate and I think fans will enjoy that. He’s a bulldog on the mound but he’s a teddy bear off it.” 

Meyers is in his first year at Central Arizona College, where he has a 4.11 ERA with 21 strikeouts and five walks in 15.1 innings over eight games (one start). His best game so far was a three-inning relief effort against El Paso Community College on Feb. 4. Meyers allowed an unearned run while striking out seven and not issuing any walks. He is teammates there with two former AppleSox players, Felix Schlede and DJ Massey.

The Denver, Colo. native was a multi-position star at Heritage High School as he batted .377 in 44 games and recorded a 2.51 ERA in 21 games in two years on the varsity team. Meyers’ senior year was phenomenal all around as he batted .387 with nine extra-base hits and 14 stolen bases while also recording a 2.53 ERA with 65 strikeouts and 22 walks in 47 innings over 12 games. He appeared in Prep Baseball Report’s West Coast Games in 2021 prior to his senior season and was ranked as the eighth-best prospect in Colorado in 2022. 

“He’s going to be huge for us out of the bullpen,” Darlington said. “I could see him getting a ton of innings for us. He’s not really a long-inning guy but a come in and shut things down guy who makes a lot of appearances.”

Flores began his collegiate career at Hawaii before transferring to New Mexico for this season. The sophomore southpaw has only appeared in one game this spring but toed the rubber nine times last year. He posted a 6.14 ERA with four strikeouts and six walks in 7.1 innings over nine games for the Rainbow Warriors. Flores only allowed one run over his last six games while also striking out one, walking two and only allowing two hits in three innings. 

The Maricopa, Ariz. native graduated from Mountain Pointe High School in 2021, where he recorded a 3.15 ERA with 12 strikeouts and six walks in 6.2 innings over four games. He recorded a save in three of those appearances and also hit .267 in nine games. 

“Junior is teammates with Jack DeDonato,” Darlington said, “which is really how we found Junior. Jack reached out this fall when we invited him back to return to us and he mentioned that he had a left-handed arm who was interested in coming to Wenatchee. Pitching is at a premium in the West Coast League and especially when it is a Division-I arm you can’t pass up on them.”

Harrison has moved into a regular role at Central Arizona after appearing in six games as a freshman in 2022. He has a .269 average with three home runs and 25 RBI in 36 games. Harrison’s home run and RBI totals are tied for the most on the Vaqueros, who are the reigning NJCAA Division-I Champions. He recorded an eight-game hit streak from Feb. 14-25 in which he batted .312.

The Chandler, Ariz. native graduated from Corona Del Sol High School in 2021 and shined in his shortened 2020 junior season. Harrison batted .292 with four doubles and 13 RBI in 10 games. 

“We’re going to see him playing a lot of first base for us,” Darlington said. “This is a guy who we envision batting in the middle of our lineup and competing for some innings at first base. Central Arizona is a program that speaks for itself. Getting a guy who is batting in the middle of their order and who is playing every day for them is great for us.” 

To hear more of Darlington’s thoughts on the four newest members of the 2023 roster stay tuned for the newest addition of the AppleSox Podcast tomorrow. You can listen to it and other previous roster-release episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Ticket packages for the AppleSox’ 23rd season are now on sale. Season tickets lock in your seats for all 31 home games and run as affordable as $145 for general admission bleacher seats while reserved premium seating is $245. Additionally, fans can get 10-ticket Double Play Ticket Packs for $60. These 10 general-admission ticket punches can all be used at once or spread out over the course of the season over multiple games. To purchase 2023 ticket packages please visit applesox.com/season-tickets call 509-665-6900 or email allie@applesox.com.