Back at home for the second series this season, Salt Lake once again settled for a split in their six-game series with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. Salt Lake won the first two, before Sugar Land battled for the next two. Each team grabbed a victory in the final two contests, and both squads also secured an extra-inning victory.
Another split decision
Salt Lake continued their strong offensive output from Sunday’s series finale in Reno, winning 8-3 on Tuesday in the opener. Looking for a three-game win streak, the Bees got it in the form of the Dirty Sodas. A 9-8, 12-inning thriller marked the longest game in ballpark history, by innings and time, thanks to Christian Moore’s walk-off, two-run double in the final frame.
Thursday’s snowstorm forced a postponement, setting up another Saturday doubleheader. Friday saw the Space Cowboys double up Salt Lake 12-6, using a seven-run first inning and not looking back. Both teams took a game in the twin bill, with Sugar Land edging out the hosts in game one 2-1, and Salt Lake powering to a 8-3 victory.
In position for their first series win of the year, the Bees stumbled in extra innings on Sunday afternoon, falling 7-4 in 10 innings to complete the split. Salt Lake (8-13) held their own against the PCL leading Space Cowboys and sit five games back of Sugar Land (13-8) in the league standings.
Prospect watch
Nelson Rada was a constant thorn in the side of the Space Cowboys all week. The 5-foot-9 Gold Glove-caliber outfielder raised his average from .271 at the start of the homestand to .302, pushing himself over the .300 mark. His nine-game hitting streak — the longest in the PCL — was snapped late in the series, but not before he did plenty of damage. Rada finished the week going 6-for-8, scoring seven runs and driving in four. He looked every bit like the Angels’ No. 2 prospect and top-ranked position player on the field.
After making just one start on the bump for the Bees, George Klassen earned a call-up to the Halos, where he appeared in two games for Los Angeles. The right-hander logged 4 innings at the big-league level, striking out six. Following his stint, he was sent back down to Salt Lake and took the ball in the series finale. The Wisconsin native delivered a steady outing Sunday afternoon, twirling five innings of two-run ball while striking out a pair. He remains the organization’s No. 4 prospect.
Denzer Guzman paced Salt Lake’s offense, making a strong case for PCL Player of the Week honors. The infielder recorded a team-high eight hits in 22 at-bats during the series. The No. 7 ranked prospect added two doubles, drew five walks and chipped in three RBIs. He now edges out veteran Chris Taylor for the team’s top batting average at .364 on the young season.
Three starts in Salt Lake were all it took for Sam Aldegheri to earn a promotion to the Angels. The southpaw joined the club in the Bronx for a series against the Yankees and made a relief appearance in the fourth inning. He tossed 1 innings out of the bullpen, striking out Cody Bellinger and Jose Caballero while inducing pop-outs from Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Aldegheri finished with 1 inning of one-run ball, punching out two in front of a rowdy Yankee Stadium crowd.
Around the Bases
The first ever win as the Dirty Sodas came on Wednesday night and came with drama. After a 12-inning marathon, the Bees’ alternate identity was victorious in the longest game in The Ballpark at America First Square’s short history. Perfect weather on Sunday made the season’s first “Bark in the Park” very successful with a sellout for the dog + human ticket package.
What’s On Deck
Another road trip, another journey to Nevada for the Bees, as they head to Las Vegas for a six-game set with the Aviators (Triple-A, Athletics) this week. Salt Lake will look for a better result than the opening series as they were swept in the three-game series.
While the Bees are away, Cosmic Baseball will take over The Ballpark at America First Square April 24-25.
