Chris Diehl hit a three-run homer and drove in five runs, A.J. Atherton and two relievers combined on a five-hitter, and the Bend Elks finally put an end to a West Coast League free fall that lasted more than two weeks.

Bend blanked the Wenatchee AppleSox 8-0 on Sunday night at Vince Genna Stadium, a win that halted the Elks’ losing streak at 14 games. The victory was Bend’s first since July 12 and just its second since completing a three-game sweep of Walla Walla at home on July 4.

Collin Runge played one inning each at all nine positions for the Elks. The former Ridgeview High standout finished on the mound, pitching an inning of one-hit relief to secure his team’s long-awaited win.

Diehl had three hits for the winners, as did Alex Pallios and Ty Holmstrom. Diehl’s home run, his third of the season, highlighted a four-run fourth inning that put Bend up 6-0.

—Bulletin staff report