NightOwls stun AppleSox with walk-off homer

NANAIMO, British Columbia  -- The Nanaimo NightOwls secured a historic victory against the Wenatchee AppleSox on Saturday night, ending a long-standing losing streak with a dramatic 9-6 walk-off win at Serauxmen Stadium.

Aaron Marsh delivered the decisive blow, crushing a three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the NightOwls (13-15) their first-ever triumph over the AppleSox (21-11, 3-2 second half) in 11 meetings spanning three seasons.

The AppleSox had mounted a spirited comeback in the top of the ninth, tying the game on Jonathan Fitz's two-RBI infield single. Fitz continued his hot streak, collecting three hits for the second consecutive night and reaching base seven times in the series' first two games.

However, controversy marred the bottom of the ninth before Marsh's heroics. A ground ball fielded by AppleSox first baseman Cannon Peery was ruled foul despite appearing to be the inning's final out. The contentious call allowed the NightOwls to extend the inning, setting the stage for Marsh's game-winning blast.

The series concludes Sunday afternoon, with Wenatchee looking to bounce back before returning home for a three-game set against Edmonton starting Tuesday.