AppleSox fall to Riverhawks 8-2

EDMONTON, Alberta  -- The Wenatchee AppleSox squandered an early lead, falling 8-2 to the Edmonton Riverhawks in West Coast League action Saturday night at RE/MAX Field.

Despite a promising start, the AppleSox were unable to maintain their momentum, allowing the Riverhawks to mount a decisive comeback in the later innings.

Wenatchee struck first, plating two runs in the opening frame. James Castagnola, who extended his hitting streak to six games, drove in the first run with a single. Evan Cloyd followed with a sacrifice fly, giving the AppleSox a 2-0 advantage.

The lead proved short-lived, however, as Edmonton rallied to tie the game in the fourth inning. Wenatchee missed a crucial opportunity to reclaim the lead, failing to capitalize with the bases loaded and one out in their half of the inning.

The turning point came in the bottom of the sixth when Edmonton erupted for five runs on just two hits. The Riverhawks took advantage of AppleSox miscues, including a hit batsman with the bases loaded. A subsequent two-run single broke the game open, putting Edmonton firmly in control.

Castagnola's performance was a bright spot for Wenatchee, as he recorded his fourth consecutive multi-hit game. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome the AppleSox's defensive lapses and missed offensive opportunities.

The teams will conclude their series Sunday afternoon, with first pitch scheduled for 12:05 p.m. local time.