The Bells lost to the Applesox 6-3 in 11 innings on July 15. // Photo by Harrison Amelang By Atticus Everett The Bells (23-12) battled the Applesox (13-19) through 11 innings in 81-degree weather, but succumbed to the heat and the Wenatchee pitching staff, dropping the final game of the three-game set 6-3. “It was hot. You always have to grind through the third game,” Bells outfielder Guthrie Morrison said. The Applesox sent five pitchers to the mound during the contest, but Connor McCord stole the show, keeping a lid on Bells hitters for six-straight innings, allowing just one run. “Their pitching staff and defense were tough today. They’re a great team,” Morrison said. In extra innings, both teams played shrewdly, aiming to bunt and sacrifice their way to a tiebreaking run. The Bells had their work cut out for them after Kody Darcy hit a towering 3-run homer over the left field fence in the top of the 11th inning. “Kody’s pinch hit put us over the edge,” said Applesox infielder Jacob Prater. Bells manager Bob Miller attributed the loss to missed connections. “Runners left on base is definitely a statistic that came back to bite us,” Miller said. The Bells had the bases loaded in the third and fourth innings, but couldn’t convert baserunners into runs. “There were some opportunities we didn’t capitalize on,” Miller said. The Applesox avoided a series sweep with the win. Now the Bells set their sights on a trip to Walla Walla for a three-game series against the Sweets (18-15) at Borleske Stadium starting July 18. Bellingham remains atop the West Coast League North Division as second-place Kelowna (20-16) has dropped its last three games.
