AppleSox rally in ninth to stun NightOwls 5-4

NANAIMO, British Columbia -- The Wenatchee AppleSox staged a dramatic ninth-inning comeback to defeat the Nanaimo NightOwls 5-4 on Friday night at Serauxmen Stadium, securing their third consecutive victory.

Trailing 4-3 entering the final frame, the AppleSox capitalized on a crucial error to push across two runs. Max Hartman drew a walk and James Castagnola was hit by a pitch to start the rally. After Evan Cloyd's sacrifice bunt advanced both runners, Cannon Peery's high chopper resulted in a costly misplay by NightOwls shortstop Nevin Noonan. The error allowed both Hartman and Castagnola to score, giving Wenatchee its first lead of the game.

Peery was instrumental in the AppleSox offense, going 2-for-5 with two doubles, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Jackson Campbell (1-0) earned the win with four scoreless innings of relief, while David James recorded his second save despite allowing two singles in the bottom of the ninth.

The NightOwls jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning, highlighted by two RBI triples. They extended their advantage to 4-1 in the fourth before Wenatchee began chipping away at the deficit.

With the victory, Wenatchee improved to 21-10 overall and 3-1 in the second half of the season. Nanaimo fell to 12-15.

The series continues Saturday night at 6:35 p.m. local time, with Wenatchee's Quincy Vassar taking the mound. Vassar stands just six strikeouts away from becoming the AppleSox all-time leader in that category.