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Ava Nash
Looking for better luck in Sin City than their first trip, the Salt Lake Bees managed a six-game split this week against the Las Vegas Aviators, the Triple-A affiliate of the Athletics. The visiting squad won the first three games of the series, outscoring Las Vegas 27-11. The script flipped on the weekend, as the Aviators took the next three contests and posted a 33-13 run margin across the games. The Bees (11-16), after the first five series of the season, now sit in last place in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) standings.
Series Recap
A solid start from Brett Kerry, along with an early bunch of scoring, got Salt Lake off to a great start to win the opener 8-5. It was an offensive clinic on Wednesday night, as the Bees pummeled the Aviators 14-3. All nine Bees hitters got at least one hit and scored once in the contest, with Chris Taylor and Christian Moore’s three hits each leading the charge. José Fermin ensured at least a split on Thursday, collecting his third save of the season in a tight 5-3 Salt Lake win.
The Bees’ fortunes turned on Friday, as Las Vegas posted a 19-run, 22-hit offensive showing of their own to take their first game of the series. A pitcher’s duel was the case on Saturday night, with both teams held in check into the seventh inning. George Klassen’s 6 inning start was spoiled as the Aviators (playing as the Villains) managed a 4-0 victory. In the series finale, six runs across the first two frames paced Las Vegas to their third win of the week, a 10-4 result, that completed the series split for both squads.
Prospect Watch
The second-ranked prospect in the Los Angeles Angels organization, and top ranked position player Nelson Rada, finally cooled off after his recent hot streak. Whether it was the road environment or simply the grind on a 20-year-old, the outfielder finished the week in Las Vegas 4-for-19, highlighted by a two-hit performance on Thursday. Rada collected two RBIs on the week, including a double and an RBI walk, while continuing to show his defensive reliability with a perfect fielding percentage. His steady glove work builds on the Gold Glove recognition he earned during his time with Double-A Rocket City.
George Klassen made his second Triple-A start since appearing in two games with the Angels, and the fourth-ranked prospect delivered in a big way. In Saturday’s pitcher’s duel — played in front of the highest attendance of the series at Las Vegas Ballpark — the right-hander tossed 6 innings of one-run ball, striking out seven while allowing just two hits and three walks. Klassen lowered his ERA in Salt Lake to 2.20 across 16 innings, holding opposing hitters to a .231 average.
One of the hottest hitters in the nation, Denzer Guzman has been electric at the plate to start the season. The organization’s No. 7 prospect is riding a 13-game hit streak, tied for the longest in Triple-A. Guzman capped the series in Las Vegas by going 9-for-21 with a home run, a double, seven RBIs, and six runs scored while drawing three walks. He continues to anchor Salt Lake’s lineup as one of its most reliable bats.
After a brief stint with the Angels in the Bronx, Sam Aldegheri made his return to the Bees on Wednesday and showed exactly what he’s capable of. The Italian left-hander struck out seven over five innings, allowing just two hits and one walk before being lifted after 71 pitches. Aldegheri leaned heavily on his slider while mixing in a four-seam fastball, change-up, and curveball, commanding all four pitches with precision and effectively tunneling his arsenal.
Around the Bases
This week, the Bees will have their first three theme nights of the season. On Friday, May 1, the team will host Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Night with a Hula Bumble Bobblehead Giveaway. Saturday’s game sees “Gold Medal Night,” recognizing Olympians and the Olympic spirit of Utah. The homestand closes with the first Abejas day in Sunday’s matinee, with a T-shirt giveaway on deck.
What’s On Deck
Salt Lake returns home to face the Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A, San Francisco Giants) for the second time in Utah, hosting the Golden State squad for six-games. The series is scheduled to begin on Tuesday at 6:35 p.m. MDT at The Ballpark at America First Square.