This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Keith Johnson has not lost confidence in his team.

Even with runs difficult to come by and Salt Lake slowly sinking in the PCL's Pacific Northern Division, the Bees manager continues to look long term.

"We're starting to do a lot more good things," he said. "There's a whole lot more baseball yet to be played."

Once again, run-starved Salt Lake faced too large of a deficit in Tuesday's 10-2 loss to Sacramento (42-24) at Spring Mobile Ballpark.

Salt Lake starter Scott Kazmir, looking lost and out of sorts, allowed six runs in less than two innings and placed the Bees a deep hole.

Yet, the Bees (28-38), doing what they could, scratched out two runs in a sixth that saw them send eight batters to the plate. Salt Lake loaded the bases on two singles and a walk when its lone power source, Jeff Baisley, sent a deep drive to right. It wasn't deep enough for a grand slam, but did score one run as a sac fly.

However, three hits, a walk, a hit batter and two sac flies in the inning only produced two runs.

And the next inning, Sacramento's Chris Carter halved the rally with a homer.

The Bees scrambled to score only to see the opponent power them aside. Salt Lake has hit just 33 homers this year, and has allowed 63.

"Our team is built on its ability to pitch and play defense," Johnson said. "We have guys who can hit the ball out of the park, but that's not been our M.O. this year.

"Solo homers usually don't beat you. Right now, that's how things are going."

Johnson's job is to prepare the players he's given to play in the major leagues. A fiery guy, Johnson has cajoled, prodded and scolded the Bees trying to get them better.

However, the numbers don't lie. Salt Lake is 12th in the PCL in runs scored and 10th in pitching. The Bees have committed the least number of errors.

"It's all about getting these guys better," Johnson said. "We're playing good baseball. It's just not happening right now."

martyr@sltrib.comTwitter: @tribmarty.com —

Highlights

R Sacramento first baseman Chris Carter hits two solo homers to left field in the River Cats' win.

• Salt Lake starter Scott Kazmir allows six runs in 12⁄3 innings.

• The Bees, 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position, use two sac flies for both runs.