YAKIMA, Wash. – The Yakima Valley Pippins have been road warrior through their first two seasons as a franchise, and that warrior mentality came through again Tuesday in Wenatchee, as the Pippins dealt the Applesox a 6-3 loss in the series opener.

 

After being retired in order over the first two innings by Wenatchee starter CJ Gettman, the Pippins (10-6) opened things up in the 3rd inning. They scored three times in the 3rd on a pair of infield singles and a double steal to make it 3-0. In the 4th, Dayton Provost added to the damage with a two-run homer to right-center field, his second homer of the season. Branson Trube added an RBI double in the 5th to make it 6-0 and chase Gettman.

 

That would prove to be plenty of support for Pippins starter Andrew Bernstein, who was in control over six innings of work. He allowed just 2 hits, 0 runs and 1 walk, while striking out 3 to pick up his first win of the season.

 

Reliever Jake Bird allowed three unearned runs in the 8th after a pair of errors, but Wenatchee (5-8) would get no closer, as Wyatt Mills picked up a league-best fifth save in a 1-2-3 bottom of the 9th to seal the victory.

 

The Pippins improved to 5-2 on the road this season and are now 23-12 away from home in their first two years as a franchise. They’ll go for their third road series win in as many tries Wednesday at 7:05 pm.

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