Throughout this PCL season, in nearly every area Salt Lake has been a picture of inconsistency — except one.

The Bees have been the league's best defensive team. Efren Navarro at first and third baseman Jeff Baisley lead their respective positions in fielding percentage.

For much of Friday, the gloves were on display as Salt Lake battled to avoid the home sweep by Iowa. In the end, though, an error by Alexi Amarista in center allowed an insurance run for Iowa, which won 4-1 at Spring Mobile Ballpark.

Amarista, hustling, overran a single, allowing the third Cubs' run. The damage was done.

"Alex is not experienced," Bees manager Keith Johnson said. "The next time he sees that play, he'll understand that when he goes that far there's no reason to look up."

The Bees needed every play as Cubs starter Chris Rusin was on top of his game, allowing one run in seven innings.

With a lack of starters due to injury and call-ups, the Bees countered with their bullpen. Barrett Browning made only his second start this season and allowed just one earned run in four innings.

Despite the error, Amarista, an infielder by trade, has turned into a respectable centerfielder. He followed two spectacular catches Thursday with a dandy to open Friday's game.

In the first inning, Amarista stretched out on the warning track in right-center field to rob Iowa's Bryan LaHair of extra bases. In the fourth inning, second baseman Gil Velazquez nonchalantly snared a sizzling one-hopper off the bat of Scott Moore.

An inning later, shortstop Andrew Romine successfully snared a short, looping infield pop that was inches from dropping safely. Romine needed to slide on his backside to complete the play.

"Our defense has done a great job," Johnson said. "When our pitchers do their job, [the infielders] are there."

Not that only Salt Lake produced sparkling defense. Iowa outfielder Matt Spencer robbed Baisley with a diving catch near the foul line in short right field.

martyr@sltrib.com

Twitter: @tribmarty

Orem 6, Helena 3 • Owlz second baseman Taylor Lindsey had four hits, including two doubles, and starter Logan Odom got the win with five shutout innings.

Ogden 10, Missoula 3 • The Raptors' Joc Peterson and Scott Schebler each homered, and combined for 8 RBIs in the road victory. —

Iowa 4, Bees 1

R Iowa starter Chris Rosin pitches seven innings and allows just one run and six hits.

• Iowa hands Salt Lake its second home sweep of the season.

• Jeremy Moore and Alexi Amarista lead the Bees with two hits each.