Orusevic's ninth-inning blast lifts HarbourCats over AppleSox in playoff opener

VICTORIA, British Columbia — Kerim Orusevic's dramatic two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning propelled the Victoria HarbourCats to a 4-2 victory over the Wenatchee AppleSox in Game 1 of the North Division Series on Saturday night at Serauxmen Stadium.

The HarbourCats held a 2-0 lead for much of the game before the AppleSox mounted a late comeback. Jake Larson's clutch two-out, two-RBI single in the eighth inning knotted the score at 2-2, breathing new life into Wenatchee's hopes.

However, the AppleSox failed to capitalize on subsequent opportunities, leaving the bases loaded in the ninth inning. Throughout the game, Wenatchee stranded 11 runners and succumbed to 15 strikeouts, highlighting their offensive struggles.

Garrett Ahern delivered a stellar relief performance for Victoria, striking out nine batters and allowing just two runs over six innings of work. Wenatchee's Evan Canfield also impressed out of the bullpen, fanning five in 2.2 innings.

Offensively, Max Hartman set the table for the AppleSox, collecting two singles and scoring a run from the leadoff spot. James Castagnola also contributed with a pair of singles in a losing effort.

The series now shifts to Wenatchee for a crucial Game 2 on Sunday evening. The AppleSox face elimination and must win to force a decisive Game 3 on Monday. History is not on Wenatchee's side, as road teams that lose Game 1 in the North Division Series have struggled to advance.

First pitch for Sunday's do-or-die game is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. local time. Tickets are available through the AppleSox website.