Wenatchee, Washington – The Kamloops NorthPaws dropped game two against the AppleSox 8-7 on Saturday night. The NorthPaws scored six runs in the ninth to put the pressure on, but came up empty-handed. The Kamloops bats went silent for the first seven innings, failing to score a run while only registering four hits.
AppleSox starter Luke Strekel was brilliant on the mound. The righty went seven shutout innings while striking out six NorthPaws. The bats looked like they were going early as the NorthPaws rattled off two hits in the top of the first, but a double play turned by Wenatchee shut down the early effort.
The AppleSox got right to it with three runs on four hits in the bottom of the first. Wenatchee added runs in the third and fourth, going up 5-0. By the end of the fifth inning, the AppleSox recorded 10 hits.
The NorthPaws finally got on the board thanks to an Evan Dugdale RBI double. Just as the NorthPaws got a glimmer of hope, the AppleSox appeared to put them away for good with three runs in the bottom of the eighth.
The NorthPaw bats suddenly woke up in the ninth. Elijah Olaybal, Keegan Drinkle and Tanner Mitchell all reached base to begin the inning. With one out, Anthony Setticasi singled to right field, driving in Olaybal. Kade Crawford then hit into a fielder’s choice, scoring Drinkle.
With two outs, the AppleSox were looking to put the game on ice. Dugdale was at the plate with other plans as he singled, adding another run on the board. Brock Grainger walked to reload the bases. Tate Martin followed that up with a single up the middle, making it an 8-5 game.
Olaybal was back up and singled for the second time, getting Kamloops within two. Drinkle then walked with the bases still loaded, bringing in run number seven. The energy in the crowd was uneasy. The home fans were stunned. The NorthPaws had the bases loaded and the go-ahead run in scoring position.
Tanner Mitchel was the man at the plate and faced a two-strike count. The 0-2 slider ran high, almost clipping his elbow guard. Mitchell took the pitch, but it got called for strike three, ending the game. It was another controversial call in the final stages of a ballgame, resulting in a NorthPaws loss.
The Paws will try to salvage the series and go .500 on their Washington road trip. First pitch is set for 5:35.
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