Putnam Receives 2023 Tommy Watanabe Award

AppleSox right-handed pitcher Jake Putnam has been named the 2023 recipient of the Tommy Watanabe Award.

Putnam, an incoming senior at Butler, received the award prior to the AppleSox’ home game against the Bellingham Bells on Thursday night. The Tommy Watanabe Award is presented each season to an AppleSox player who best represents respect for the game of baseball and all around it as well as a passion for the AppleSox organization.

“Jake is the perfect representation of AppleSox Baseball,” head coach Mitch Darlington said. “He shows up to the field everyday with a smile on his face and ready to do whatever it takes to get a win. Jake is a servant leader. He puts the team and the organization first in all aspects of the game. On and off the field there is nobody who leads by example better than Jake Putnam.”

The Danville, Calif. native is in his second summer with the AppleSox and makes his presence felt each day, whether or not he pitches. He is typically one of the first players to the field and always volunteers to water the field. Putnam always is in a great mood, whether he has had a tough game or just closed out another AppleSox win.

Putnam is the fifth recipient of the Tommy Watanabe Award, created in 2019 in honor of former AppleSox player Tommy Watanabe, who passed away in 2017. Putnam joins Joichiro Oyama in 2022 joins Michael O’Hara in 2021, Johnny Sage in 2019, Jacob Prater in 2018 as winners of the award. 

To learn more about Tommy Watanabe and the Award, please visit applesox.com/tommy-watanabe-award

AppleSox Take On Bells In Rubber Match On Thirsty Thursday

GAME NOTES

The Wenatchee AppleSox conclude their three-game series with the Bellingham Bells tonight at 6:35 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

The AppleSox suffered their first loss at home last night since June 27 as the visitors rallied late to claim a 7-5 lead. Wenatchee erased a 3-0 deficit with a five-run bottom of the fourth but Bellingham retook the lead with four runs in the eighth scored in part due to three AppleSox errors.

That loss snapped Wenatchee’s 12-game home winning streak in league play and seven-game win streak overall. Victoria and Kelowna also both lost on Wednesday, meaning that they still remain two and three games back, respectively, of Wenatchee in the second half. Ten games remain in the regular season and the next four are at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium before a six-game road trip to Bellingham and Kelowna to conclude the schedule.

Despite the loss last night the AppleSox got another impressive night from Carson Ohland. He extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a two-out 2-RBI double to cap the scoring in the fifth and give Wenatchee its first lead of the game. Ohland becomes the third different AppleSox player to record a double-digit hit streak, joining Brandham Ponce (11 games, June 8-21) and Easton Amundson (15 games, June 4-22).

Speaking of Amundson, the AppleSox get a surprise addition today as he returns today for the next week. Amundson originally concluded his summer on July 9 but was convinced by Wenatchee’s coaching staff to come back for the next seven games before he has to head east for his junior year at Liberty. Amundson has not played in the last 14 games but still leads the West Coast League with seven home runs. In addition to leading the AppleSox in home runs he also leads the team with 25 RBI, two triples and 15 extra-base hits. Amundson is three home runs away from becoming the AppleSox’ all-time leader in home runs in a single regular season to surpass Taylor Sparks, who hit nine regular-season home runs in 2012 before adding one in the playoffs.

Samuel Round attempts to deliver a series-clinching start tonight. He has earned the win in each of his last two games, first allowing one run over a season-high six innings on July 12 at Nanaimo before striking out a single-game high six batters on July 19 against Bend. Round is 2-0 with a 4.23 ERA, 16 strikeouts, seven walks and 14 hits over 17 innings in five games (three starts).

Bellingham sends Hunter Long to the mound in attempt to win its second consecutive series. He has a 0.56 ERA with 13 strikeouts, four walks and six hits over 9.1 innings in five relief appearances. Long last pitched three scoreless innings with five strikeouts, no walks and two hits last Friday at Kamloops.

Tonight’s game is a Thirsty Thursday. Fans can purchase general admission tickets for as affordable as $3 at AppleSox.com/2023-schedule and fans 21-and-over can enjoy discounts on adult beverages.

The AppleSox will be holding their fifth annual presentation of the Tommy Watanabe Award to an AppleSox player prior to the game. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:20 to ensure that they will be able to see the whole ceremony. Please visit applesox.com/tommy-watanabe-award to learn more about the award.

Fans can tune in to the action tonight and all season long on KCSY Sunny FM. Pregame coverage presented by Kenady Real Estate Group 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 FM in 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.

Rough Eighth Inning Dooms AppleSox Wednesday

The Wenatchee AppleSox lost their first home game in almost a month as they fell to the Bellingham Bells, 7-5, on Wednesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Bellingham scored four times on three hits and three Wenatchee errors to force a rubber match between the two teams on Thursday night at 6:35. The AppleSox’ seven-game winning streak and 12-game home winning streak both came to an end on Wednesday as they fell at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium in league play for the first time since June 27.

Joey Pearson struck out two in 2.1 scoreless innings of relief midway through the game. He stranded inherited runners at first and second after entering in the fourth. Pearson hit the first batter of the fifth but retired the next three hitters, including the final two with strikeouts, before setting down the side in order in the sixth.

The AppleSox scored five times in the bottom of the fourth to overcome a 3-1 deficit. MJ Sweeney and Izzy Lopez drew back-to-back walks to open the inning before being sacrificed over. Mason Persons grounded out to third to scored Sweeney before Lopez scored from third on a balk. Wenatchee was just getting started as its next four batters all reached base with two outs. Trent Liolios doubled to left-center and Sebastian David drew a walk before Frankie Carney singled in Liolios and Carson Ohland doubled in David and Carney to extend his hitting streak to 10 games.

Wenatchee (32-12, 12-4 second half) remains first place in the North Division in the second half while also still holding the best record in the West Coast League. Though the AppleSox lost, the Victoria HarbourCats and Kelowna Falcons also did to remain two games and three games back, respectively, with 10 games remaining in the regular season.

AppleSox Go For 12th Series Victory On A WINatchee Wednesday

GAME NOTES

The Wenatchee AppleSox look to extend their winning streak eight games as they face the Bellingham Bells tonight at 6:35 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Wenatchee is over halfway through its final homestand of the regular season and attempts to win the series against Bellingham after taking the series opener, 5-1, last night. It marked the AppleSox’ 12th consecutive home victory in league play, a new franchise record.

Evan Canfield continued his impressive summer for the AppleSox by recording each of the final 16 outs in order to account for 5.1 scoreless innings. That effort marked his career-high for innings pitched in a relief effort in two summers with the AppleSox. Canfield’s ERA is now 1.73 in 10 relief appearances.

The AppleSox can inch closer to clinching a playoff victory with a win tonight. Their next victory would give them 32 on the summer and none of the bottom four teams in the North Division in terms of overall record would be able to top that total. The only team currently out of the top four playoff spots that could equal the AppleSox win total if Wenatchee wins tonight is Nanaimo but the NightOwls lost all six games in the regular-season series and thus do not hold the tiebreaker. Nanaimo could still win the second half, as they only sit six games back of Wenatchee.

The opportunity to have home-field advantage in the postseason is still at play with 11 games remaining in the regular season. Wenatchee sits atop the North Division both overall and in the second half. If the AppleSox win the second half and finish with the best overall record in the WCL then they will earn home-field advantage for the entire postseason.

The AppleSox send Trent Liolios to the mound for his second start of the summer. Liolios entered last night’s game as a defensive replacement in left field and went 1-for-2 with a double but will toe the rubber tonight in the second game of the series. The right-hander from Northwestern is 2-0 with a 5.19 ERA, eight strikeouts, five walks and nine hits over 8.2 innings in two games. He made his first start of the season on July 18, only giving up three runs over five innings to earn the win against Bend. Liolios also pitched in three non-league games and did not allow a run over 7.1 innings while striking out eight.

Bellingham looks to get back in the win column by opposing with Isaac Yeager. The right-hander from Washington is 0-1 with a 1.88 ERA, 10 strikeouts, nine walks and 11 hits over 14.1 innings in six games (three starts). Yeager is coming off tossing a season-high four innings against Cowlitz on July 18 in which he allowed one run on two hits, three walks and one strikeout.

Tonight’s game is the final WINatchee Wednesday of the summer. Just by attending the game you are eligible to win prizes from local businesses. Enter your name upon arrival and listen closely during the middle innings. Tickets can be purchased at applesox.com/2023-schedule.

Tonight’s game will not be broadcast on the AppleSox video livestream due to technical difficulties. You can still listen live to the action on KCSY Sunny FM with pregame coverage presented by Kenady Real Estate Group beginning 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 FM in 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

Listen to the latest edition of the AppleSox Podcast below to hear a recap of last night’s game, highlights and interviews with Cam Hoiland, Felix Schlede and Carson Ohland. Subscribe to the AppleSox Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

AppleSox Earn 12th Consecutive Home Victory

The Wenatchee AppleSox set a new franchise record in their 5-1 win over the Bellingham Bells on Tuesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

The AppleSox earned their 12th consecutive home victory in league play to break the previous record of 11 games in 2019. Tuesday’s win was also their seventh consecutive overall, setting a new high for the 2023 season.

Wenatchee (32-11, 13-3 second half) has the best overall record in the WCL, remain in first place in the North in the second half and can clinch a playoff berth with a victory on Wednesday night.

Evan Canfield (3-0) entered with two outs in the fourth inning and recorded each of the final 16 outs consecutively to close out the game. He dropped his ERA to 1.73 and struck out three in 5.1 innings.

The AppleSox scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning on four consecutive hits to strike first. Nick Putnam hit a high popup into shallow right field that dropped in for a hit and Cooper Whitton followed with a single up the middle to plate the other run.

Putnam drove in another run in a three-run seventh inning. His RBI single plated Sebastian David and Carson Ohland following Ohland’s RBI single a batter prior. Ohland was off and running before the pitch and scored from first after David when the ball was bobbled in left field to give Wenatchee a four-run lead. Ohland had two hits in his first game since winning WCL Player Of The Week and extended his hitting streak to nine games.

The AppleSox go for the series victory on Wednesday night as they face the Bells again at 6:35. It’s a WINatchee Wednesday and fans are eligible to win prizes each inning just by attending the game. Tickets can be purchased at AppleSox.com/2023-schedule.

AppleSox Host Bellingham In Playoff Rematch

GAME NOTES

The Wenatchee AppleSox look to set a new franchise record for consecutive home victories tonight when they host the Bellingham Bells at 6:35 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

This will be the first time that the AppleSox and the Bells have met since Bellingham defeated Wenatchee, 4-2, in the 2022 North Division Championship Game at Joe Martin Field on Aug. 13. Four players from that AppleSox team suited up for them again this season and, in a unique twist, Wenatchee also added Bellingham’s cleanup hitter from that game, Easton Amundson. Former AppleSox lefty Gianluca Shinn is now on the Bells.

The two teams could be on a collision course to meet in the postseason game this summer. The Bells won the North Division first-half title with a 20-7 record to finish a game ahead of the AppleSox and the Victoria HarbourCats. Wenatchee leads the North Division in the second half at 12-3 and holds the best overall record in the WCL at 31-11.

While the Bells got off to a strong start and already locked up their playoff spot, they have faltered in the second half. Bellingham has lost three-of-five series to start the second half including dropping five straight games to Ridgefield. The Bells enter tonight winners of three straight though after salvaging a series last week with Cowlitz and then taking the first two games on the road at Kamloops before poor air quality cancelled the third game. Bellingham is 6-8 in the second half.

Meanwhile, Wenatchee is rolling. The AppleSox are looking to extend their winning streak to a season-high seven games. They swept the Bend Elks and Nanaimo NightOwls back-to-back last week and are now halfway through this 12-game homestand. The AppleSox have won 11 consecutive home games in league play and a win tonight would be a new franchise record.

The Bells had the AppleSox’ number last season, defeating Wenatchee in all seven head-to-head meetings. Bellingham has won eight consecutive games in the series after winning the final matchup of the 2021 season. These two teams will face each other six times over their next nine games when they also meet next Tuesday-Thursday at Joe Martin Field.

Wenatchee can clinch a playoff spot tonight with a win and a Nanaimo loss. If both happen tonight then the worst that Wenatchee can finish at is 32-21 while that same record is the best that Nanaimo can finish at. The AppleSox hold the tiebreaker over the NightOwls by winning all six games against them in the season series.

The AppleSox will start Felix Schlede in the series opener. The right-hander from Central Arizona is making his third start with the AppleSox and has no record with a 1.58 ERA, seven strikeouts, four walks and three hits over 5.2 innings. His last start came two Mondays ago against Bend and he went three scoreless innings before allowing a solo home run in the top of the fourth and then being removed.

Daniel Paret counters for the Bells in his seventh start of the summer. The lefty from Stetson is 2-2 with a 3.85 ERA, 39 strikeouts, 15 walks and 13 hits. He fired four innings against Cowlitz on July 17 and allowed two runs in four hits, four walks and eight strikeouts.

Tonight is Christmas In July Night Part Two and the AppleSox are celebrating by giving fans who bring a canned or non-perishable food item to the gate a free ticket. It’s also a $2 Off Tuesday with tickets, hot dogs, burgers and Coors Lights all being $2 off. Tickets can be purchased at AppleSox.com/2023-schedule.

Don’t forget to stop by Pybus Public Market this afternoon. The AppleSox will be on hand from 1-2 to sign autograph copies of the 2023 team photo. Fans can pick up a free photo and meet the entire team and coaching staff.

Fans can tune in to the action tonight and all season long on KCSY Sunny FM. Pregame coverage presented by Kenady Real Estate Group 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 FM in 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. Tonight’s game can also be watched live on the NCWLIFE Channel on ncwlife.com, their Facebook page, LocalTel Channel 12 or Spectrum Channel 19.

Ohland Named WCL Player Of The Week

AppleSox catcher/outfielder Carson Ohland has been named the West Coast League Player Of The Week for the week of July 17-23.

Ohland led the AppleSox to a perfect 6-0 week by hitting .421 (8-for-19) with a double, two home runs, nine runs, 6 RBI and two stolen bases. He homered in back-to-back games last Monday and Tuesday, scored at least one run in every game and had two multi-hit games over the week.

The incoming freshman at Washington is in the midst of a personal-best eight-game hitting streak since July 14 that he is batting .423 (11-for-26) over. Ohland has been on a tear since July 7, hitting .452 (19-for-42) with six multi-hit games. This 12-game surge has raised his batting average from .226 after nine games to .333 through 21 games.

This is the second time that an AppleSox player has been awarded Player Of The Week. Easton Amundson was previously awarded the honor June 12-18. June 12-18. He batted .291 (7-for-24) with a double, two triples, three home runs and 10 RBI.

Ohland and the AppleSox are off Monday before returning to action on Tuesday night at 6:35 vs. Bellingham. From 1-2 on Tuesday fans can meet the entire team at Pybus Public Market and pick up a free autographed copy of the team photo.

AppleSox Sweep Season Series vs. Nanaimo

Nick Putnam went 3-for-4 with 2 RBI and the Wenatchee AppleSox defeated the Nanaimo NightOwls, 11-7, on Sunday afternoon at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Wenatchee (31-11, 12-3 second half) recorded its seventh sweep of the summer and stretched its winning streak to a season-high matching six games. The AppleSox won all six games in the regular-season series against the NightOwls, marking the third different opponent that they achieved that feat against (Kamloops, Bend). Wenatchee is 9-0 in two seasons against Nanaimo.

Sunday’s win also marked the AppleSox’ 11th consecutive home victory in league. That ties the franchise record, previously accomplished July 11 - Aug. 7, 2019. They are 17-4 at home and have not lost at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium since June 27. Wenatchee is also now 19-5 against Canadian teams with six more games against them remaining in the regular season.

The AppleSox recorded their 13th double-digit scoring effort of the summer and fourth of this homestand on Sunday. Wenatchee scored in each of the final five innings and second in the West Coast League in runs scored, 12 back of Victoria.

The AppleSox retained the best record in the WCL overall and in the North Division in the second half by getting an early lead. Two runs scored in the first inning on a bases-loaded sacrifice fly and a fielder’s choice to make it 2-0, AppleSox, after one inning.

The NightOwls scored once in the second to cut the deficit to one but Wenatchee began their five-inning scoring barrage in the bottom of the fourth. MJ Sweeney delivered a two-out RBI single to plate Frankie Carney before a three-run fifth inning in which Wenatchee tallied one run on an RBI groundout with runners at the corners and then two more runs on one wild pitch.

Putnam delivered an RBI double in the sixth inning for his second of three hits in his third three-hit effort of the summer. The AppleSox loaded up the bases with no outs in the seventh and scored consecutive runs on a fielder’s choice and a ground out. Cooper Whitton hit a sacrifice fly and Sweeney delivered another RBI single two batters later in the eighth inning.

The AppleSox are off on Monday but will be holding their annual team photo autograph party on Tuesday afternoon at Pybus Public Market. Fans can stop by between 1-2 to meet the team and get a free signed team photo.

Wenatchee begins its final home games of the regular season on Tuesday night against Bellingham. It’s Christmas In July Part 2 and fans can get into the game for free by bringing a canned or nonperishable food item to the gate. It’s also a $2 Off Tuesday with tickets, hot dogs, burgers and Coors Light all $2 off. Purchase seats at applesox.com/2023-schedule.

AppleSox Overcome Early Deficit, Take Series vs. Nanaimo

The Wenatchee AppleSox earned their 30th win of the summer with a 10-6 victory over the Nanaimo NightOwls on Saturday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Wenatchee (30-11, 12-3) trailed 5-1 after an inning-and-a-half but scored the games’ next nine runs to take a commanding lead. Michael Cunneely (1-1) fired a season-high six shutout innings in relief to earn the win. The AppleSox’ bats awoke for a five-run fifth inning to break a 5-5 tie and help secure the series victory.

This is the fifth time in franchise history that the AppleSox have won 30 games in a season and they’re most since also reaching 30 victories in 2014. Wenatchee picked up its 11th series victory of the summer Saturday night and can break the team’s single-season wins record with 10 more wins over the final 13 games.

Nanaimo came out swinging, sending 10 men to the plate in the top of the first and scoring four times. The AppleSox got a run back in the bottom of the inning on a wild pitch but gave it right back in the top of the second. Cunneely came in relief and got the final three outs of the inning.

Wenatchee went to work in the bottom of the second, chipping away with a three-spot. Josh Williams recorded a two-out RBI single to make it a one-run game after a bases-loaded groundout followed by a sacrifice fly began the rally.

MJ Sweeney helped tie the game in a funky way in the bottom of the third. After Reeve Boyd drew a two-out walk Sweeney hit a soft line-drive to shallow left-center field. Shortstop Elijah Ickes made the catch but collided with centerfielder Riley Paulino and momentarily lost the ball. Boyd took off on contact and scored from third and Sweeney kept running while the two players were down before eventually being thrown out at home to end the inning.

Two innings later the AppleSox took the lead for good with a five-spot. Each of the first five hitters reached base and scored with the big hits in the inning coming on an RBI single by Austin Ohland to open the scoring and a 2-RBI single by Carson Ohland to cap it. Boyd brought in a run on a hit by pitch with the bases loaded and Izzy Lopez hit a sacrifice fly in between the Ohland singles.

While the AppleSox chipped away at the deficit and eventually took the lead, Cunneely dominated. He only allowed four baserunners to reach on a dropped third strike, two hits and an error, none of which occurred in the same inning. Cunneely struck out four and did not issue any walks.

The AppleSox will attempt to record their seventh sweep of the summer on Sunday afternoon at 1:05 in the series finale. It’s Coyote’s Birthday and there will be baseball card giveaways to fans who arrive early to the game. Purchase tickets now at applesox.com/2023-schedule

AppleSox Look To Keep Rolling On Pepsi Night

GAME NOTES

The Wenatchee AppleSox look to reach 30 wins tonight as they host the Nanaimo NightOwls at 6:35 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Wenatchee improved to 29-11 overall and 10-3 in the second half with a 5-1 win last night. Josh Williams homered and drove in three runs while Toby Haarer gave up one run over five innings to earn his fourth consecutive win and team-best fifth of the summer. The AppleSox have won four consecutive games overall and nine consecutive home games.

The next AppleSox win would give them 30 for the fifth time in franchise history. Wenatchee last won 30 games in 2014 but missed the postseason at 30-24. They also went 37-17 in 2012 and 34-14 in 2009, both years that the AppleSox won the West Coast League Championship. The franchise record for wins came in 2011, when Wenatchee finished 39-15.

Last night’s victory also improved the AppleSox to 15-4 at home, marking the 11th time in franchise history that they have won at least 15 games at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium. The AppleSox single-season high for home victories is 20, set in 2012 and matched in 2013. Their nine-game home winning streak is three away from breaking the team record set in 2019.

Ryan Martinez starts for the AppleSox tonight as they go for their 11th series victory of the summer. Martinez is 2-2 with a 3.41 ERA, 22 strikeouts, five walks and 36 hits over 31.2 innings in six games (all starts). The right-hander from Pacific was sharp in the first four innings of his last start, not allowing any runs, but surrendered five (two earned) in fifth inning two Fridays ago against Victoria to suffer his second loss. Martinez has given up eight runs in his last seven innings on the mound after opening the season by only allowing 10 runs in his first 24.2 innings.

Lucas Hines opposes Martinez for the NightOwls tonight. The right-hander from Golden West College is 1-1 with a 2.42 ERA, 39 strikeouts, 16 walks and 22 hits over 26 innings in 10 games (four starts). He last pitched a week ago against Bellingham and suffered the loss on the road by allowing one run on four hits, no walks and six strikeouts in a 2-0 defeat. Hines is tied with two others for the third-most appearances by a NightOwl pitcher this summer and leads the team in strikeouts.

Tonight’s game is sponsored by Pepsi and tickets can be purchased at AppleSox.com/2023-schedule.

Fans can tune in to the action tonight and all season long on KCSY Sunny FM. Pregame coverage presented by Kenady Real Estate Group 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.Fans can tune in to the action tonight and all season long on KCSY Sunny FM. Pregame coverage presented by Kenady Real Estate Group 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 FM in 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.

Haarer Earns Win In Final Start, Helps AppleSox Defeat NightOwls

The Wenatchee AppleSox won their fourth consecutive game with a 5-1 victory over the Nanaimo NightOwls on Friday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Toby Haarer (5-1) allowed one run over five innings while Josh Williams drove in three runs to give the AppleSox the season-series victory over the NightOwls. Wenatchee (29-11, 10-3) remains in first place in the North Division in the second half and overall. Friday’s win was their ninth consecutive home victory in league play.

After Haarer struck out two in a 1-2-3 first inning Williams put the AppleSox on the board first in the bottom half. Carson Ohland drew a one-out walk and Williams launched the second pitch he saw 398 feet away for his fifth home run of the summer. He is tied for the third-most long balls in the WCL and all of them have come in the last nine games. Wenatchee leads the WCL with 27 home runs and has gone deep in each of the last six games.

Williams added a sacrifice fly in the third before later recording a double and a single to finish a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. The AppleSox’ other runs came in the fourth when Izzy Lopez singled in Cooper Whitton and in the seventh when Brandham Ponce singled in Ohland.

Braiden Boyd tossed three scoreless innings after Haarer and struck out three. He only allowed one walk and one hit to record his second multi-inning scoreless effort out of the bullpen. Evan Canfield pitched around back-to-back walks to record a scoreless ninth.

Wenatchee will attempt to win its 11th series of the summer on Saturday night when it hosts Nanaimo at 6:35. It’s Pepsi Night and tickets can be purchased at applesox.com/2023-schedule.

AppleSox Welcome NightOwls For Christmas In July Night

GAME NOTES

The Wenatchee AppleSox host the Nanaimo NightOwls tonight at 6:35 in the first game of a three-game series at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

This is Nanaimo’s first-ever trip to Wenatchee. The NightOwls are in their second season and each of the first six meetings between the two teams came in Nanaimo with Wenatchee taking a three-game series last year and also sweeping a three-game set last week. The AppleSox are 16-5 against Canadian teams in 2023.

Wenatchee had yesterday off after sweeping the Bend Elks earlier this week. The AppleSox hit five home runs over the three games, including a three-homer effort on Tuesday night. It was their 10th series victory in 13 attempts and their sixth sweep of the summer.

Meanwhile, Nanaimo just took two-of-three games from Victoria to put the AppleSox in sole possession of first place in the North in the second half. The NightOwls won the final two games of their mid-week series to move a game out of fourth place in overall record for the final playoff spot. The AppleSox have the top overall record in the entire WCL at 28-11 and are first in the North Division in the second half at 9-3.

Toby Haarer makes his final start of the summer tonight and tries to give the AppleSox the series-opening win. He gave up one unearned run over 5.1 innings in Wenatchee’s 18-1 win over Nanaimo last week on Thursday. Haarer punched out three, walked three and only allowed two hits. He is 4-1 with a 1.92 ERA, 21 strikeouts, 14 walks and 20 hits over 28 innings in six games (five starts). Haarer leads all AppleSox pitchers in wins and has earned the victory in each of his last three starts.

Cooper Littledike will make his first start against the AppleSox and his seventh overall. He fired 4.1 scoreless innings last Friday against Bellingham and picked up a no-decisionin the NightOwls’ eventual 5-2 loss. Littledike is 1-2 with a 3.46 ERA, 20 strikeouts, six walks and 32 hits over 26 innings in seven games (six starts).

Tonight’s game is Christmas In July Night. Santa Claus will be on hand to meet-and-greet with fans and throw out the first pitch. Purchase tickets for tonight’s game and any of the other remaining eight home games now at applesox.com/2023-schedule.

Fans can tune in to the action tonight and all season long on KCSY Sunny FM. Pregame coverage presented by Kenady Real Estate Group 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.Fans can tune in to the action tonight and all season long on KCSY Sunny FM. Pregame coverage presented by Kenady Real Estate Group 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 FM in 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 Sweep Season Series Against Bend

Josh Williams homered and Mason Strong drove in four runs to lead the Wenatchee AppleSox to a 13-5 victory over the Bend Elks on Wednesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Wenatchee (28-11, 9-3 second half) is tied with Victoria for first place in the North Division in the second half with the HarbourCats’ loss on Wednesday. The AppleSox have the best overall record in the WCL and guaranteed themselves a winning season with the series sweep.

Williams extended the AppleSox home-run streak to five games with a two-run shot in the bottom of the first. His four home runs this summer have come in the last eight games and he is second on the AppleSox in long balls. Wenatchee has gone deep 13 times in the last nine games and its 13 home runs lead the West Coast League.

Strong finished a home run away from hitting for the cycle in his final game of the summer. He doubled in the bottom of the first to score Kyle Henington after his leadoff double and Strong scored on Williams’ home run. Strong also singled in a run in the fourth, tripled in a run in the fifth and hit a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

Every hitter in the starting lineup reached base at least once with eight-of-nine recording a hit. Frankie Carney went 2-for-3 with two walks and 2 RBI. Henington went 1-for-2 with three walks, an RBI and three runs. Izzy Lopez went 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored. The AppleSox collected 10 walks against seven different pitchers and knocked Elks’ starter Eli Takalo out after two innings.

Samuel Round (2-0) struck out six and did not walk any hitters over five innings. He gave up three runs (two earned) on four hits and recorded two 1-2-3 innings. Trei Hough tossed a scoreless sixth and seventh striking out three in his AppleSox debut.

Williams and Strong put the AppleSox on the board first in dramatic fashion in the first inning before the Elks tied it up with a run in the second and a two-out game-tying 2-RBI double in the third. Wenatchee responded with 10 runs over the next three innings. Strong drove in the first run of the fourth and then the AppleSox scored three more runs with two outs as Carson Ohland doubled in a run and Carney connected on a two-run opposite-field single.

The offensive onslaught continued in the fifth. Reeve Boyd and Lopez led off with a walk and a single, respectively, and then Henington put down a bunt. Elks reliever Mahiro Tomita picked it up third-base side and fired to third to try and get the lead runner but no one was there and the ball sailed out to the AppleSox’ bullpen in deep left field to score two runs. Strong tripled to right-center and scored when shortstop Elijah Jackson’s throw to third base went into the Wenatchee dugout.

Henington drew a bases-loaded walk in the sixth and Strong hit a sacrifice fly to score the AppleSox’ final two runs of the game. Henington, Strong and Williams were the first three hitters in the order and drove in nine of the AppleSox’ 13 runs, though two of those came on the fielder’s choice error on Henington’s fourth-inning bunt.

The AppleSox have now swept six teams this season, including two three-game sweeps of Bend and Kamloops. Wenatchee hosts the Nanaimo NightOwls on Friday night to open up a three-game weekend series. Friday is Christmas In July night and Santa Claus will be on hand to meet-and-greet with fans and throw out the first pitch. Tickets are available at applesox.com/2023-schedule

AppleSox Wrap Up Season Series With Bend On A WINatchee Wednesday

GAME NOTES

The Wenatchee AppleSox will attempt to record their sixth sweep of the summer tonight as they face the Bend Elks at 6:35 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Wenatchee has earned back-to-back victories to open the series and has moved a game out first place behind Victoria in the second half. Tonight is the AppleSox final game against a South Division opponent for the rest of the regular season. Wenatchee has played Bend and Springfield from the South and is 8-3 against them, including 5-0 against the Elks.

Prior to this season the AppleSox had never swept the Elks in the first 22 seasons of their existence but now has an opportunity at a full season sweep of the Elks. Wenatchee has won the season series against Bend four times (2005, 2009, 2010 and and 2023). The last and only time that the AppleSox won the first two games of a three-game series against the Elks at home came July 22-23, 2011 with 2-1 and 8-1 wins before falling 3-2. Wenatchee won the first two games of the season series at home the next year but the third game was rained out, preventing the opportunity to earn a sweep.

The AppleSox again used a crooked inning to help take a comfortable lead against the Elks last night, scoring five runs in the bottom of the third. Wenatchee also scored eight runs in the fifth inning on Monday night in the series opener to overcome a 5-1 deficit. The AppleSox have trailed for an inning-and-a-half in the first two games of this series.

Wenatchee has regained the lead for the most home runs hit in the WCL at 25 with last night’s three-homer outburst. It is the third time this season that the AppleSox have recorded a multi-homer game after Cooper Whitton, Nick Putnam and Carson Ohland all went deep. Ohland homered for a second consecutive game, becoming the third AppleSox player to accomplish the feat this season. Easton Amundson homered in back-to-back games June 7-8 against Springfield and again in three straight league games June 17, 18 and 21. Josh Williams hit two home runs last Wednesday and followed it up with a grand slam on Thursday night. Ohland is batting .500 (14-for-28) in his last eight games with at least one hit in seven of those games.

Samuel Round looks to earn his second victory as he makes his third start of the summer tonight. The incoming freshman at Gonzaga tossed a season-high six innings last Thursday in Wenatchee’s 18-1 win against Nanaimo. Round allowed one run on four hits, three walks and five strikeouts to help the AppleSox earn a series victory against the NightOwls. The right-gander is 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA, 10 strikeouts, seven walks and 10 hits over 12 innings in four games (two starts).

Eli Takalo will start for the Elks as they try to salvage the series. He is 2-1 with a 6.26 ERA, 11 strikeouts, 13 walks and 16 hits over 18.2 innings in eight games (one start). Takalo last pitched a week ago against the Cowlitz Black Bears and suffered the loss by giving up four runs (two earned) on one hit, three walks and two strikeouts.

Tonight is another WINatchee Wednesday. Fans who attend the game are eligible to win prizes from local businesses. Keep your ears open in the middle innings and you could head home a winner. Purchase tickets for tonight’s game and any of the remaining 10 home games now at applesox.com/2023-schedule

Fans can tune in to the action tonight and all season long on KCSY Sunny FM. Pregame coverage presented by Kenady Real Estate Group 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 FM in 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 Smack Three Homers, Defeat Elks

Cooper Whitton, Nick Putnam and Carson Ohland all hit home runs as the Wenatchee AppleSox defeated the Bend Elks, 8-5, on Tuesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Wenatchee (27-11, 8-3 second half) won for the fifth time in as many games against Bend and moved a game back of Victoria for first place in the North Division in the second half.

Putnam led the way with 4 RBI by plating a pair on a 2-RBI single in the second inning. He hit a two-run homer two batters after Whitton launched a three-run shot in a five-run third inning. Whitton went 2-for-4 in his AppleSox debut while also adding a single in the second. He was signed this past weekend after being released by the Portland Pickles to provide outfield depth in the final month of the season.

Ohland launched his second home run of the summer in the bottom of the fifth to drive in the AppleSox’ final run of the night. It was his second home run of the season and second in as many days. The AppleSox have now homered in four consecutive games and have hit 12 home runs over the last eight games. Their 25 home runs lead the WCL.

Trent Liolios (2-0) gave up three runs in five innings to earn the win in his first start of the summer. Evan Canfield got the final six outs to record his third save of the summer.

Wenatchee has won its 10th series of the summer and goes for its sixth sweep on Wednesday night before an off day on Thursday. It’s a WINatchee Wednesday and fans who attend the game are eligible to win prizes from local businesses just by attending the game. Tickets can be purchased as applesox.com/2023-schedule.

AppleSox Take On Elks On $2 Off Tuesday

GAME NOTES

The Wenatchee AppleSox go for the series victory tonight as they face the Bend Ells at 6:35 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

The AppleSox used an eight-run bottom of the fifth inning to turn a 6-1 deficit into a 9-6 lead last night. Wenatchee scored two more runs of insurance in the sixth to put a cap on an 11-6 victory. Four different AppleSox hitters recorded multi-hit games and Jadon Williamson did not allow any runs over the final four innings and struck out eight.

Wenatchee homered for a third consecutive game when Carson Ohland hit a one-out solo shot in the bottom of the third. His brother, Austin, smacked his first home run of the season on Sunday afternoon and Izzy Lopez homered on Saturday. The AppleSox have homered in five of their last six games and have gone deep nine times in that span. Their 22 home runs in 37 games this summer have already surpassed their total of 18 in 54 games from a year ago. Wenatchee’s record for home runs in a summer is 36 in 2019.

Last night’s win moved the AppleSox a half game back of first place in the second half with a 7-3 record. The rest of the North Division was idle but is back in action tonight. This series is the AppleSox last one against a South Division team. By the end of tomorrow night Wenatchee will have played Springfield and Bend six times apiece. The AppleSox are 7-3 against them so far while going 19-8 against North Division foes.

Wenatchee has guaranteed a win of the season series against Bend by taking each of the first four head-to-head matchups this season. The AppleSox had never swept a series against the Elks prior to June 2-4 and now have won the season series against them for the first time since 2010 when the AppleSox took five-of-nine meetings thanks to taking the WCL Championship Series, two games to one. The last time Wenatchee took a regular-season series against Bend was in 2009, when the AppleSox won two-of-three games July 7-9 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Trent Liolios makes his first start of the summer and second appearance on the mound in WCL action tonight for the AppleSox. Liolios has also appeared on the bump in non-league play and did not allow a run over 7.1 innings while striking out eight. He made his first appearance in league action last Tuesday, surrendering two runs in the final frame of 3.2 innings out of the bullpen. The right-hander struck out six, walked four and allowed four hits. Liolios did not pitch this spring at Northwestern but recorded a 1.31 ERA with 77 strikeouts over 69.2 innings in 16 games as a senior at Newport Harbor High School in California in 2022.

Kellen Oakes goes for the Elks as they look to even up the mid-week series. The right-hander from Linn-Benton Community College is 1-0 with a 2.65 ERA, 20 strikeouts, 12 walks and 11 hits over 20.1 innings in five games, four starts. Oakes last pitched five days ago, tossing 4.2 innings and giving up three runs on two hits, five walks and four strikeouts against the Cowlitz Black Bears. He picked up a no-decision and the Elks went on to eventually win, 16-3.

Tonight is another $2 Off Tuesday. Fans can save $2 off tickets, hot dogs, burgers and Coors Light at tonight’s game. Purchase tickets for tonight’s game and any of the remaining 11 home games now at applesox.com/2023-schedule

Fans can tune in to the action tonight and all season long on KCSY Sunny FM. Pregame coverage presented by Kenady Real Estate Group 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 FM in 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 Use Eight-Run Inning To Snap Losing Streak

The Wenatchee AppleSox opened up a long homestand with an 11-6 win over the Bend Elks on Monday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Wenatchee (26-11) scored eight runs in the bottom of the fifth to erase a five-run deficit. Carson Ohland hit his first home run of the summer in the third for the AppleSox’ third home run in the last three days. Jadon Williamson struck out eight over four scoreless innings to close out the game.

The AppleSox snapped their season-high three-game losing streak thanks to matching their single-game high for runs in an inning. That frame was the third time this summer that they scored eight runs in an inning. MJ Sweeney started the inning by reaching on a drag bunt single before another single and two errors plated the first three runs of the game. The AppleSox recorded five consecutive singles with one out to score the final five runs as 12 hitters came to the plate.

That huge inning flipped the script after a slow start. Ohland’s 375-foot blast put Wenatchee on the board first but the Elks responded with a five-run top of the fourth against three different AppleSox pitchers. They added another run in the fifth to take a 6-1 lead before the AppleSox erased the deficit in the bottom of the inning.

Izzy Lopez hit a sacrifice fly in the sixth and Brandham Ponce stole home on a double-steal play to take on two insurance runs for the AppleSox and help them snap the Elks’ four-game winning streak.

Ohland, Sweeney, Frankie Carney and Nick Putnam all recorded multi-hit games. Carney became the 30th player in AppleSox history to score 30 runs in a season when he scored in the fifth inning. Putnam reached base in all but one plate appearance by also drawing two walks.

The AppleSox look to win the series as they host the Elks again at 6:35 on Tuesday night. It’s a $2 Off Tuesday with tickets, hot dogs, burgers and Coors Light are all $2 off. Purchase tickets now at AppleSox.com/2023-schedule.

AppleSox Open Up Lengthy Homestand Tonight

GAME NOTES

The Wenatchee AppleSox return home to begin a stretch of 12 games in 15 days at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium tonight at 6:35 against the Bend Elks.

Wenatchee is looking to get back into the win column after splitting a six-game road trip north of the border. The AppleSox swept the Nanaimo NightOwls to begin the trip before being swept by the Victoria HarbourCats. Wenatchee opened the trip red-hot with 38 runs scored in Nanaimo before only being held to eight runs in Victoria.

With the series loss to Victoria the AppleSox have dropped to third place in the second half and a game back of the North Division-leading Kelowna Falcons. If the season ended today the AppleSox would hold the fourth and final spot in the North Division. They hold the second-best overall record in the North Division behind the HarbourCats but the Kelowna Falcons have the best record in the second half. Kelowna would have home-field advantage in its best-of-three North Division Series against Victoria while the AppleSox would take on Bellingham for its North Division Series

The Elks have won four consecutive games and are fresh off a sweep of the Port Angeles Lefties. Bend has scored double-digit runs in each of the last four games and has cumulatively won 49-21. The Elks are tied for third in the South Division in the second half with a 6-3 record and are a game back of the first-place Corvallis Knights.

The AppleSox faced the Elks at the start of the season and swept them to open up the season 3-0 for the first time since 2009. Wenatchee earned narrow 6-4 and 4-3 victories in the first two games of the weekend before pulling away with a 12-1 victory on June 4. The AppleSox’ eight runs scored in the seventh inning of the series finale are tied for the most by the team in an inning this season with their eight runs scored in the third inning on July 2 in a 12-4 win at Edmonton.

Felix Schlede makes his second start of the summer for the AppleSox. He pitched into the third inning in his summer debut on July 8 against Kamloops and did not allow any runs on one hit, two walks and three strikeouts. Schlede pitched for the AppleSox last season, going 0-2 with an 11.67 ERA, 18 strikeouts, 19 walks and nine hits allowed over 12.1 innings. He recorded a 3.79 ERA with 28 strikeouts, 20 walks and 12 hits over 19 innings in 13 games in relief as a freshman at Central Arizona this spring.

Bend will send Eric Valdez to the mound for his second start and seventh appearance of the season. The incoming sophomore at Feather River College is 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA, 10 strikeouts, nine walks and 11 hits over 9.1 innings. Valdez surrendered two runs on three hits, two walks and five strikeouts over three innings on July 12 against Cowlitz out of the bullpen in his most recent outing.

Fans can tune in to the action tonight and all season long on KCSY Sunny FM. Pregame coverage presented by Kenady Real Estate Group 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 FM in 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. Tonight’s game can also be watched on The NCWLIFE Channel.

AppleSox Suffer First Sweep Of 2023

Austin Ohland hit his first home run of the summer but the Wenatchee AppleSox fell to the Victoria HarbourCats, 6-1, on Sunday afternoon at Royal Athletic Park.

Ohland hammered the first pitch that he saw to lead off the top of the third inning to drive in their first and only run of the game. His long ball bounced off the scoreboard and was the AppleSox’ eighth home run of their six-game road trip.

That home run cut the deficit to two after the HarbourCats scored twice in the first inning and added another run in the second. They regained a three-run lead with a two-out run in the fourth and added their final two runs in the bottom of the seventh.

Wenatchee (25-11) has now lost three consecutive games and been swept for the first time this season. The AppleSox scored 35 runs in a three-game sweep of the Nanaimo NightOwls to open up the road trip but only scored eight runs in their trip to Victoria. Sunday marked the third time this summer that the AppleSox have been held to their single-game low for runs scored.

The AppleSox no longer hold the tiebreaker over the HarbourCats if the two teams were to tie for first place in the North Division in the second half despite splitting the season series. The next tiebreaker between the two teams is head-to-head run differential and the HarbourCats hold a +1 advantage. Victoria and Wenatchee both have 11 losses but the HarbourCats have three more wins.

The AppleSox have a quick turnaround opportunity to end their longest losing streak of the summer as they host the Bend Elks at 6:35 on Monday night. Bend is on a four-game winning streak after sweeping the Port Angeles Lefties. The AppleSox swept the Elks June 2-4 to open the season but only one position player who helped Wenatchee score its 22 runs in that series is still with them. Tickets can be purchased at AppleSox.com/2023-schedule.

HarbourCats Hit One More Homer Than AppleSox, Take Series

Izzy Lopez launched his second home run in the last three days but the Wenatchee AppleSox fell to the Victoria HarbourCats, 4-3, on Saturday night at Royal Athletic Park.

Lopez launched a two-run homer in the top of the fourth to tie the game up. He hammered the second pitch that he saw over the left-field fence to plate two runs. Lopez previously homered on Thursday night and his blast was the AppleSox’ seventh of their road trip and 20th of the summer.

Victoria took the series behind two home runs from Tyler Davis. He launched a solo shot to lead off the third inning after Tripp Clark’s RBI single in the first inning. Davis added another blast with a man aboard in the seventh to break a 2-2 tie and move one long ball back of matching the out put from AppleSox first baseman Easton Amundson, who played his final game of the summer last Sunday, for the WCL lead.

The HarbourCats go for the series sweep on Sunday when they face the AppleSox at 1:05. Wenatchee has yet to lose three consecutive games or be swept this season.