Returning to the Ocean State Waves for his second summer, Applin was a critical piece of the bullpen in 2014. In 16 appearances (two starts), Applin went 1-0 with a 1.51 ERA, striking out 29 batters in 35.1 innings of work. Applin also made two appearances in the NECBL Southern Division Semifinals, striking out three batters in three innings.

Applin has emerged as a crucial bullpen weapon in his three years with the University of Rhode Island Rams. In 24 appearances as a junior, Applin went 3-1 with a 3.67 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 27 innings of work. Opponents have only hit .223 against the righty from Malden, Massachusetts.

As a sophomore in 2014, Applin went 2-4 with a 4.13 ERA and two saves in 18 appearances. Applin also struck out 22 batters in 24 innings of a work. Applin also was effective in his freshman season (2013), where he went 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 24 innings. During his time at URI, Applin was named on the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List in 2014, as well as the Atlantic-10 All Rookie Team in 2013.