AppleSox rally late, down Lefties 4-1 in season opener

WENATCHEE — Antonio Gianni's clutch two-out, go-ahead RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning propelled the Wenatchee AppleSox to a 4-1 victory over the Port Angeles Lefties on Friday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

The Lefties managed to tie the game with a bases-loaded walk in the top of the seventh, but the AppleSox wasted no time in reclaiming the lead. Max Hartman and Fred Buckson drew consecutive one-out walks before Gianni found a hole on the left side of the infield to drive in the decisive run. Hartman showcased his speed, stealing both second and third base before crossing the plate.

Stephen Hammergren (1-0) secured the win with three scoreless innings of relief, striking out three and allowing just one hit while escaping a bases-loaded threat in the ninth.

Starter Blake Reece set the tone with six scoreless innings, fanning five batters, including two in his final frame.

Offensively, Hartman paced the AppleSox, smacking two doubles and drawing a pair of walks while also reaching base on an error.

Wenatchee broke the scoreless deadlock in the fifth inning on a Kade Benavidez sacrifice fly. They tacked on two insurance runs in the eighth courtesy of a Jack Johnson RBI single and a Fred Buckson groundout.

The AppleSox aim to secure the series victory on Saturday night when they face the Lefties once more at 6:35 p.m.. Matthew DelVecchio is slated to take the mound for Wenatchee, and tickets can be purchased at applesox.com/schedule.