AppleSox offense stalls again

BELLINGHAM — Quincy Vassar delivered a masterful performance on the mound, but it wasn't enough as the Wenatchee AppleSox fell to the Bellingham Bells 1-0 on Saturday night at Joe Martin Field.

Vassar, a Brewster native, allowed just one run over eight innings in a complete-game effort. However, the AppleSox (17-9) were shut out for the second consecutive game and the third time in their last seven outings.

The lone run came in the bottom of the eighth inning. After a pair of one-out singles, a high chopper over the mound resulted in an out at first base but allowed the decisive run to score.

Wenatchee outhit Bellingham 6-3, but couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. Their best chance came in the second inning when Evan Cloyd led off with a double. Luca Boscarino later singled to right field, but Cloyd was thrown out at home on a precise relay.

Vassar's dominant outing included just two walks and four strikeouts. It marked the AppleSox's first complete game since Ryan Mullan's eight-inning performance in a 2-1 loss to Edmonton on June 24, 2022.

The loss drops Wenatchee into a tie with Bellingham (17-9) atop the North Division with one game remaining in the first half of the West Coast League season.

Sunday's finale holds significant playoff implications. Wenatchee needs a win and help to secure the first-half playoff berth. They'll also be keeping an eye on Edmonton, needing either a Riverhawks loss or a superior run differential to clinch.

First pitch for Sunday's crucial matchup is scheduled for 1:35 p.m.