This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Wade LeBlanc had a strong seven innings for the Salt Lake Bees on Tuesday night. However, his reliever, Fernando Nieve, allowed three key runs during the eighth inning en route to a 4-1 loss to the Reno Aces at Smith's Ballpark.
LeBlanc, who scatted five hits while allowing one earned run through seven innings, was pulled with the game tied, 1-1.
He struggled with his control later in the game, despite getting outs, Bees manager Keith Johnson said.
"He battled for us for seven strong innings, so it was time for a change," Johnson said.
LeBlanc has allowed just six earned runs in his lpst 27 innings pitched.
Other than the run by J.B. Shuck scoring in the sixth, the Bees had no offensive production.
Another Salt Lake City favorite returns • The Bees signed Taylorville High School alumnus John Buck. He was a free agent signed Thursday.
In his first game, he went 0-for-4 at bat for a .250 average. The catcher previously played with the Seattle Mariners, where he marked a .226 batting average over 27 games.
Storylines
R J.B. Shuck scores the Bees' only run, in the sixth inning.
• Fernando Nieve gives up three earned runs in the eighth to seal the Aces' 4-1 victory.
• The Bees sign free agent and Taylorville High alumnus John Buck. He finishes 0-for-4 in his opener.
• Also back, C.J. Cron returns Sunday from the L.A. Angels and goes 3-for-4 with an RBI.