Bend Elks' second baseman Tyler Peterson resets after a pitch during the team's season opener Friday night against Wenatchee at Vince Genna Stadium in Bend.

The scoreboard did not go the way the Elks wanted it to on Opening Night to kick off another West Coast League season.

There was a long line for tickets to get into Vince Genna Stadium, and another long line for concessions. The stadium was nearly full as the Elks started the season.

“It was great,” said Elks coach Joey Wong. “It was great to be back and on the new infield. The fans were amazing, like they always are. Hopefully they keep coming out and it is a good summer.”

The Elks fell in game one of 56 Friday evening 6-4 to the Wenatchee AppleSox. The Elks opened the game with three runs in the opening frame, but then were held scoreless until the ninth inning. The AppleSox scored five times in the third inning, and once again in the ninth to seal the win.

Third baseman Avery Ortiz drove in the Elks’ first run of the season when he doubled home Steven Meier in the first inning. Dylan McCollum pitched six innings and gave up five earned runs, but walked seven batters to open the door for the AppleSox to take the lead in the fifth inning.

“It was good to put up some runs early, but we have to keep our foot on the gas pedal,” Wong said. “We are confident in our lineup and our ability to put up runs. We were pretty solid on the bump; just gave up too many freebies.”

Returning player Elijah Jackson was eager to play for the Elks after last summer, when he was one of the WCL’s top players, earning first-team all-league honors.

“I couldn’t wait to get back out here before summer ball started,” Jackson said. “I love everything about Bend. I performed well last summer, and they asked me to come back. Of course, I said yes. I love playing ball here.”

The beginning of summer league can be chaotic, with players making their way to Central Oregon, getting settled with host families and having just a couple of practices together before starting games. More players who are in their colleges’ postseason tournaments will gradually start joining the roster.

“It is a quick turnaround to when guys start coming in to the first game,” Wong said. “We have a few practices, but the guys seem to have good energy.”

Of course, Wong won’t mind if it takes a couple of weeks for Oregon State catcher Wilson Weber to make it to Bend.

That would likely mean that the Beavers have made a run to Omaha, where Wong helped the Beavers win a national title in 2007.

The Elks wrap up their three-game series against the AppleSox on Sunday before hosting the Port Angeles Lefties for a three-game series starting on Monday. (Saturday’s game concluded after The Bulletin’s print deadline.)

“It was great to be back and on the new infield. The fans were amazing, like they always are. Hopefully they keep coming out and it is a good summer.”

— Joey Wong, Bend Elks coach