AppleSox blank Bellingham Bells 2-0 for first shutout of 2024 season

WENATCHEE - The Wenatchee AppleSox secured their first shutout of the 2024 season with a 2-0 victory over the Bellingham Bells on Wednesday night at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.

Garrett Ahern, making his first start of the summer, struck out six over four scoreless innings while allowing just three hits, two of which came at the start of the third inning. Ahern responded by striking out the next three batters in order, and the AppleSox (8-2) scored both of their runs in the bottom half of the inning.

Stephen Hammergren earned his third save of the summer, pitching three scoreless innings to close out the game. He faced the minimum each inning, aided by a double play in the eighth. Andrew Manson (1-0) struck out two batters and stranded two men in the fifth to earn his first win in his second summer with the AppleSox. Tristan LaMaison also contributed, stranding a runner and striking out another in the sixth.

The AppleSox broke the scoreless deadlock in the third inning when Kade Benavidez drove in the first run of the game. Two batters later, with the bases loaded, Antonio Gianni reached on a fielder's choice to score the final run of the night.

Wednesday's shutout marked the AppleSox' first since July 4, 2023, and their first against the Bells since July 23, 2010, at Joe Martin Field. The team will look to secure their fourth consecutive series victory as they face Bellingham again on Thursday at 6:35 p.m. The game is part of the team's Throwback Thursday promotion, featuring discounted Michelob Ultra and WA Gold Cider on tap. Tickets are available at applesox.com/schedule.