Clutch hitting, strong pitching lead AppleSox past HarbourCats

VICTORIA, B.C. — The Wenatchee AppleSox capped off a successful road trip with a 5-2 victory over the Victoria HarbourCats on Sunday afternoon at Royal Athletic Park. The win improved the AppleSox's record to 4-2 on their six-game road swing.

Kade Benavidez played a pivotal role in the AppleSox's triumph, driving in three runs and pitching three scoreless innings in relief. Benavidez's bases-clearing double in the sixth inning erased a 1-0 deficit and put the AppleSox ahead for good. Antonio Gianni followed with an RBI double to extend the lead to 4-1.

On the mound, Benavidez was equally impressive. In his first appearance in league play, he retired the side in order in the seventh and ninth innings while stranding the tying run at second base in the eighth. Benavidez finished with four strikeouts and allowed just two hits without issuing a walk.

Starting pitcher Quincy Vassar, working on three days' rest, limited the HarbourCats to one run over four innings. Vassar's four strikeouts moved him into sole possession of second place on the team's all-time strikeout list with 94, just 17 shy of becoming the franchise leader.

Gianni's defensive prowess was on display in the bottom of the first inning when he robbed the HarbourCats of a potential two-run home run with a leaping catch at the left-field wall, keeping the game scoreless.

The HarbourCats scored 11 of their 13 runs in the series with two outs, a trend that continued on Sunday. However, the AppleSox also demonstrated their ability to produce in clutch situations, scoring all four runs in the sixth inning with two outs.

Benavidez, who drove in five runs over the weekend against Victoria, now leads the West Coast League with 12 RBI.

The series loss marks the first time the HarbourCats have dropped a three-game set at Royal Athletic Park since July 19-21 against the Bellingham Bells.

The AppleSox return home on Tuesday to face the Bellingham Bells at 6:35 p.m. for the first $2 Off Tuesday promotion, featuring discounted tickets and select concession items. Tickets are available for purchase at AppleSox.com/schedule.