AppleSox rally late to stun Pippins in 12-9 thriller

WENATCHEE -- The Wenatchee AppleSox staged a dramatic comeback, scoring five runs in the eighth inning to defeat the Yakima Valley Pippins 12-9 on Saturday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Trailing 9-7 entering the bottom of the eighth, the AppleSox mounted a relentless offensive. James Castagnola initiated the rally with an RBI single, followed by Luca Boscarino tying the game on a fielder's choice. Hunter Friedberg delivered the go-ahead RBI single, with additional runs scoring on a wild pitch and a Garrett Cutting single.

AppleSox starting pitcher Cam Hoiland delivered a solid performance, allowing three runs over six innings while striking out a season-high seven batters. Hoiland's outing was highlighted by a stretch of 11 consecutive retired batters, including three perfect innings.

The game saw multiple lead changes, with Yakima Valley striking first with two runs in the opening frame. Wenatchee responded immediately, capitalizing on two Pippins errors to take a 3-2 lead.

The AppleSox appeared to be in control with a 7-3 lead after six innings, but Yakima Valley stormed back with a six-run seventh inning. The Pippins' offensive outburst was fueled by seven consecutive batters reaching base.

Andrew Monson (4-0) earned the win for Wenatchee, recovering from a shaky seventh inning to hold Yakima Valley scoreless in the eighth and ninth.

The victory sets up a crucial series finale on Sunday evening, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.