AppleSox surge past Sweets with seven-run seventh

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee AppleSox rallied for seven runs in the seventh inning to defeat the Walla Walla Sweets 9-5 on Sunday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Trailing 4-2 entering the bottom of the seventh, the AppleSox (14-7) mounted a decisive comeback. Max Hartman delivered the key blow with a bases-clearing triple down the right field line, putting Wenatchee ahead for good.

The offensive outburst saw 12 AppleSox batters come to the plate in the inning. Aidan Dougherty reached on an error to drive in Hartman, while Luca Boscarino added an RBI single. Antonio Gianni capped the scoring with a two-run double.

Roberto Gonzalez, batting leadoff for the first time this summer, reached base four times with three hits and a walk. The AppleSox showed patience at the plate, drawing 11 walks overall. Cam Hoiland led the team with four free passes.

Wenatchee starter Ryan Martinez pitched five innings in his season debut, allowing one unearned run on six hits with three strikeouts. He did not factor in the decision.

The victory keeps the AppleSox tied atop the standings with the Edmonton Riverhawks, who won their fourth straight game on Sunday. Six games remain in the first half of the season.

Wenatchee will host the Kelowna Falcons on Monday night at 6:35 p.m. local time.