When the contract came from Korea, it was money that you couldn’t pass up. It was life-changing money. – Jo-Jo Reyes
SALT LAKE CITY — On Sunday afternoon, the Salt Lake Bees did something they haven’t done for nearly two years: complete a series sweep.
Starting pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes, Cam Bedrosian and Cory Rasmus gave up just four hits as a unit, and the Bees defense stepped up with two critical double plays to help lead Salt Lake to a 4-1 win over Reno at Smith’s Ballpark and a sweep of the Aces.
“Two big plays kept them from scoring,” team manager Dave Anderson said of the double plays in the first and third innings. “We stayed out of a big inning, (which) gave us the opportunity to score some runs and get ahead. Those were the two big plays.”
Leading the way at the plate for the Bees was Josh Rutledge, who went 3-for-4, including his 17th double of the season. Additionally, with a sacrifice fly to left field in the fourth inning, Efren Navarro became the all-time RBI leader in Bees history with 294, breaking the old record that stood since 2010.
But the real story was on the mound, where the Salt Lake's trio combined for nine strikeouts. Reyes picked up the win, going 5 ⅔ innings and striking out four and giving up just one earned run. Bedrosian was nearly flawless in his 2 ⅓ innings of work and Rasmus registered the save by striking out two in the ninth.
“Pitching was outstanding today,” Anderson said. “Bedrosian threw really (well) today … today’s the best I’ve seen (Bedrosian) throw.”
Earlier in the season, former Bees pitcher Zach Stewart packed his bags and took off for Korea, where he signed a contract with the NC Dinos of the Korean Baseball Organization. This is a popular path of many young pitchers who are trying to make it to the majors while still keeping money in the bank.
Back in 2013, Reyes took a path similar to his old teammate Stewart. After already signing a deal with the Angels, Reyes was extended a release that allowed him to sign with the SK Wyverns of the same league. Some may question the motive of pitchers when they head overseas during their careers, but make no mistake, it was a difficult decision for Reyes, as it is for most.
Hailing from Southern California, Reyes was especially excited about his new contract with the Angels because it meant that he would get to play near his home. The pitcher resided just 30 minutes from the ballpark in Anaheim, and his family could not be happier to watch Reyes pitch on a regular basis.
But it was because of his family that he had to leave for Korea.
“When the contract came from Korea, it was money that you couldn’t pass up. It was life-changing money,” Reyes said. “With that, I could help my family for years and years. That comes into play.”
Being drafted back in 2003, Reyes is no stranger to the baseball world, and has spent his time in a number of different leagues throughout his career, most recently in the Mexican League before being picked up by the Angels back in June. Though the decision to go to Korea, among other places, was tough for Reyes, he was happy he made it.
“I was lucky to go over to Korea and make some money and provide for my family,” he said. “It’s just an experience. I got to experience different cultures.”
One player who would agree with Reyes was his enemy these last four days: Reno pitcher Caleb Clay, although he wasn’t always an enemy here in Salt Lake. Clay rocked a Bees uniform last season and made 12 starts on the mound before he decided to follow other pitchers to Asia.
“It’s a difficult, big decision,” Clay said. “But if you take enough time and don’t make any hasty decisions, and you use the people around you that know you the best, they can kind of help you make the right decision for you.”
The Aces pitcher, who was originally slated to pitch against Reyes on Sunday but was later scratched, had never been out of the country before signing his deal overseas. The transition was rough for Clay, and even though he struggled at times, the experience was still a positive one.
“It was a challenge,” Clay said. “The baseball is different, the language was a big issue for me … It was a good learning experience overall, and if I had a chance to go over there again, I would.”
Even though Clay saw a completely different section of the world and has been around a number of ballparks here in America, the pitcher claims that there is nowhere quite like Salt Lake City.
“I’ve said this all along, that Salt Lake — as a city, a ballpark, an organization, team, fans, all of the above — it’s the best I’ve ever played. It’s my favorite place I’ve ever played.”
Reyes and his family echoed Clay’s sentiments.
“It’s beautiful. The backdrop of the mountains, it’s a nice stadium,” Reyes said. “My family got here two weeks ago and they’ve done a lot. They’ve done the aquarium, the zoo, we went up to Snowbird during the All-Star break. They’re having a blast.”
After sweeping the Aces, the Bees will now head to Tacoma where they will compete in a four-game series before heading back to Salt Lake City for another homestand.
GAME NOTES: Kyle Kubitza stole his second base of the season. ... The Bees registered a total of six hits. ... Reno committed two errors. ... The attendance was 3,643. … The Aces are the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Twitter: @GriffDoug