Riverhawks Silenced by AppleSox in 10-1 loss

2023-07-29

Hawks are eliminated from playoffs as they can only scratch six hits

By Cody F. Schmidt

A tough game for the Edmonton Riverhawks tonight, as the Wenatchee AppleSox clinch the series with a 10-1 win. This loss also mathematically eliminates the Riverhawks from the 2023 playoffs, as now their highest possible win total would be fourteen, a game behind the current North Division Leaders, the AppleSox, who are at fifteen wins in the second half after tonight.

Starter #45 KJ Ward went for 5.0 innings for the second start in a row. While he didn’t have any overwhelming struggles, the AppleSox were able to score in three straight innings against him. Striking out a pair, Ward also walked three Sox which contributed to their ability to score against the Hawks. While Ward was able to get through five, there was minimal backup from the batters, unable to score until the 7th inning.

The Hawks’ lone run came in after #10 Jonny McGill singled to centre to lead off the frame. A stolen bag was followed by #19 Will Gardner getting his second hit of the game, and an outfield error allowed McGill to get home. The Riverhawks would barely get any hits outside of the 7th. Gardner managed to hit a pair, and was one of the few Hawks to have a relatively productive game.

The first reliever for the Hawks was #43 Heath Hachkowski, who came in for the 6th, continued through the 7th, and was knocked for a pair of runs in both frames. Walks also served to be Hachkowski’s downfall, as the AppleSox started both of his innings with a free pass that would come around to score.

Usual infielder #2 Jack Wheatley was called on to pitch the 8th, and the AppleSox teed off against him. Wheatley gave up a pair of runs on two extra-base hits, a single, and a hit batter. With the Hawks only able to plate a single run in the game, it was an all-AppleSox affair tonight.

The Hawks will try and avoid the sweep tomorrow afternoon, as the getaway game starts at 2:05pm MST. After a Monday off, the team will welcome the Port Angeles Lefties to RE/MAX Field. A good chance to turn around their post-AppleSox momentum as they rematch the team they swept earlier this week.