Efren Navarro's glove, not his power, has been rightfully appreciated by Salt Lake. He has had a record-setting season at first base for the Bees, taking nearly 800 chances before committing his first error.

Not only does Navarro lead all PCL first basemen in fielding percentage, he has also set Salt Lake franchise records for total fielding chances and putouts. Navarro didn't hit his first home run this season until July 2. It was a wind-blown job at Reno. Turns out, it was a sign of things to come.

Wednesday, Navarro lined two out of Spring Mobile Ballpark, giving the Las Vegas native eight for the season. Both long balls, including the three-run shot in the fifth, gave Salt Lake (57-68) the lead, but it wasn't enough as Iowa (57-68) erupted for four runs in the ninth to steal a 9-7 victory.

"You just move on," said Navarro, who improved his batting average to .300. "That was a tough one to swallow."

Yet, Navarro's night, including four runs batted in, was a bright spot. It was the result of a change in hitting philosophy.

"I've been working with [Salt Lake hitting coach Jim Eppard," Navarro said. "I've been trying to pull the ball more."

That the 25-year-old 50th round draft choice made it to Triple-A at all has been a victory. Hard work does provide results. It was the first time Navarro had hit two home runs in one game.

"Both were fastballs," he said. "One, I think, was a mistake."

martyr@sltrib.com Twitter@tribmarty.com —

Storylines

Iowa scores four runs in the ninth four hits, a walk and an error.

Salt Lake's Efren Navarro drives in four runs with a pair of homers.

Five the seven Bees runs were the result of home runs.