The Salt Lake Bees extended their streak of games with 10 hits or more to 11 in a row, but they couldn't extend their win streak to four games. A six-run fifth inning propelled the El Paso Chihuahuas to an 8-7 win at Smith's Ballpark on Saturday night.
El Paso outfielders, and former Bees, Collin Cowgill (2 for 5, two RBIs) and Rafael Ortega (3 for 5, 1 RBI) spearheaded a 13-hit attack for the visitors. Bees outfielder Eric Young Jr. extended his hit streak to 14 straight games, while starting pitcher Manny Banuelos allowed six runs (five earned) on nine hits and two walks in 41⁄3 innings.
Turning Point • Banuelos hadn't allowed a run in the first four inning, but he allowed the first three batters of the fifth to reach base, including him mishandling a sacrifice bunt that loaded the bases with no outs. That started a six-run inning that put El Paso ahead.
Bees MVP • Rey Navarro went 3 for 5 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored.
Hidden Hero • Kaleb Coward reached base three times. He went 2 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.
Flashing Leather • Shortstop Rey Navarro started an inning-ending double play with a runner on third and one out in the top of the third to keep El Paso scoreless and bail Banuelos out of a potential jam.
Quoteworthy • "Once those shadows aren't there anymore, the hitter kind of gets back into having the advantage a little bit at this ballpark," Bees manager Keith Johnson said. "Early in the game it's really tough with those shadows"
Angel Angle • The Angels recalled pitcher Daniel Wright and placed pitcher Jose Valdez on the major league roster. Left-handed pitcher Greg Mahle was designated for assignment.
What's next • The Bees play a doubleheader (two seven-inning games) against El Paso at Smith's Ballpark starting at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday.