AppleSox rally falls short as Pippins hold on for 7-6 victory

YAKIMA, -- The Yakima Valley Pippins jumped out to an early lead and held off a late rally to defeat the Wenatchee AppleSox 7-6 Thursday night at Yakima County Stadium.

Yakima Valley (11-7) struck for six runs in the bottom of the first inning, building what proved to be an insurmountable advantage. Wenatchee (13-5) battled back throughout the game but ultimately fell short, suffering their first series loss of the season.

The AppleSox responded quickly, plating two runs in the top of the second. Cannon Peery and Luca Boscarino extended their hitting streaks to seven games with back-to-back singles. A rundown play allowed Peery to score, while Boscarino later came home on Elijah Pelayo's two-out RBI single.

Wenatchee continued to chip away at the deficit, scoring two more runs in the fifth inning. Aidan Dougherty's RBI double and Max Hartman's RBI single cut the Pippins' lead to two. Yakima Valley reliever Donovann Jackson entered the game, retiring nine consecutive batters to stem the tide.

The AppleSox mounted a final push in the eighth inning after surrendering an insurance run in the seventh. Hunter Friedberg's infield single with the bases loaded drove in two runs, bringing Wenatchee within one.

Despite putting the tying run on base in both the eighth and ninth innings, the AppleSox were unable to complete the comeback. Dougherty reached on a one-out error in the ninth but was caught stealing, effectively ending Wenatchee's hopes.

The loss leaves Wenatchee clinging to a one-game lead over Bellingham and Edmonton in the North Division with nine games remaining in the first half of the season.

The AppleSox return home to begin a six-game homestand against the Walla Walla Sweets on Friday. Friday is Superhero Night, Saturday’s game is presented by Weinstein Beverage and is also Scout Night, while Sunday is Bark In The Park Night, presented by Earthwise Pet Shop. Tickets are available at applesox.com/schedule