Bells rally in ninth to beat AppleSox

BELLINGHAM — The Wenatchee AppleSox fell short of a series sweep after the Bellingham Bells scored twice in the ninth inning to win 3-2.

Wenatchee led 2-1 entering the ninth before Bellingham used three hits, an RBI single and a walk-off sacrifice fly to center field to take the series finale.

The AppleSox took a 2-0 lead in the fifth inning on an RBI fielder’s choice and a groundout. Bellingham cut the lead to 2-1 in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Dillon Moss.

Wenatchee starter Nicho Crowley was named the AppleSox player of the game after throwing five scoreless innings with six strikeouts and three hits allowed in his first start of the season.

Relievers Josh Sterba and Dylan Schlenger followed Crowley. Sterba allowed one run on one hit and one walk in one inning. Schlenger threw 2 2/3 innings and allowed the final two runs.

Wenatchee finished with five hits and struck out 12 times. Kainoa Santiago had two singles, and Jonah Shields tripled in the fourth inning.

The AppleSox fell to 3-2 overall and return home to face Kamloops in their home-opening series June 5-7 at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.