facebook-pixel

Salt Lake Bees can't hold off Colorado Springs in 10-6 loss

In a game featuring offensive fireworks and defensive miscues, the Salt Lake Bees couldn’t protect a four-run lead as the Colorado Springs Sky Sox exploded for nine runs over a three-inning span, defeating the home team 10-6.

Highlighted by Sky Sox second baseman Mauricio Dubon’s mammoth two-run homer to left, all but two batters in Colorado Springs’ lineup reached home safely at least once. Only 12 of the 16 combined runs were earned, however, as the defense by both clubs was porous throughout the evening.

Bees MVP: Try as they might, the Sky Sox couldn’t retire right fielder Cesar Puello, who was flying all over the base paths. Extending his hitting streak to 10 games, Puello went 4 for 4 at the plate, with a run scored, a double, a walk, two stolen bases, and a pair of RBIs.

Hidden Hero: Left-handed pitcher Jason Gurka put an end to the Sky Sox onslaught, providing 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. Ever since his second game in a Bees uniform, Gurka has been nothing short of sensational, holding the opposition scoreless in 16 of his last 17 outings.

Turning Point: In the sixth, Bees shortstop Nolan Fontana bobbled a routine grounder off the bat of Tyler Bortnick that could have resulted in an inning ending double play. Instead, the bases were full of Sky Sox. The visitors weren’t about to let good fortune subside, erupting for a total of five runs following the costly error.

Flashing Leather: With a runner in scoring position and two outs in the top of the third, Sky Sox second baseman Mauricio Dubon hit a blooper to right center that seemed destined to break a scoreless tie. However, Bees center fielder Michael Hermosillo had other notions. Charging hard, Hermosillo dove headfirst as the ball nestled safely into his outstretched glove.

Angel Angle: Los Angeles Angels left fielder Cameron Maybin is expected to make rehab starts Friday and Saturday for the Salt Lake Bees. Maybin, who leads the Angels with 25 stolen bases on the season, suffered an MCL sprain after attempting a steal on July 18.

What’s Next: Salt Lake Bees (58-53) LHP John Lamb (3-1, 8.10) vs. Colorado Springs Sky Sox (65-43) RHP Junior Guerra (0-1, 4.26) Friday, Aug. 4, 7:05 p.m., Smith’s Ballpark.