Wenatchee edges Bellingham in series opener

BELLINGHAM — The Wenatchee AppleSox opened a three-game series with a 3-2 win over the Bellingham Bells on Tuesday at Joe Martin Field.

Right-hander Hiroshi Johnson earned player of the game honors after allowing one run on three hits over five innings. He walked one and struck out two.

Bellingham took a 1-0 lead in the first inning after an errant throw to first base allowed Aspen Alexander to score.

Wenatchee took the lead in the sixth inning, scoring three runs on a hit batter, two hits, two walks and a sacrifice fly. Joseph Coupland drove in a run with a single, Matt Torres drew a bases-loaded walk and Noah Figuered added a sacrifice fly to left field.

Colin Fraser followed Johnson with two scoreless innings of relief, allowing one hit and striking out four. Carson Boesel pitched the eighth and ninth innings.

Bellingham cut the deficit to 3-2 in the ninth after Bryce Johnson singled and scored on an RBI single by Matt Churchill. Boesel then struck out the final batter to end the game.

The Bells outhit Wenatchee, but seven walks and two hit batters contributed to the loss. Bellingham starter Lathan Haywood allowed three hits over four scoreless innings and struck out five.

The series continues Wednesday and Thursday in Bellingham. First pitch Wednesday is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at Joe Martin Field.