Big night for Lucas powers Bees' rally over Zephyrs

Shortstop Ed Lucas didn't look like the No. 9 hitter in Salt Lake's batting order Thursday night at Spring Mobile Ballpark.

Lucas went 4 for 4, scored one run and tripled home another as the Bees rallied for an 8-5 Pacific Coast League victory over New Orleans.

It was Salt Lake's fourth win in five games and came after Lucas' first four-hit game of the season.

"I think it was beneficial for me to get deep into the count a couple of times," he said. "I got to two strikes, so instead of trying to really drive the ball, I was just trying to see it. When you see the ball and swing at the right kind of pitch, it makes the game a little easier."

Lucas' opportunity for some at-bats has increased after Andrew Romine was called up by the parent Los Angeles Angels last week.

Against New Orleans, Lucas took advantage of another opportunity.

"That's been his role," Salt Lake manager Keith Johnson said. "It's been a roller-coaster season for him as far as playing time. But he's been consistent for us at the plate all year."

Said Lucas: "If K.J. decides to put you in the lineup, you have to be ready to go. It's easier with consistent at-bats, but that's our job. You just have to stay prepared."

The Bees trailed 3-0 in the bottom of the third when Corey Aldridge homered.

In the fourth, Salt Lake grabbed a 4-3 lead when Efren Navarro doubled home one run and Lucas tripled home another with a drive into the right-field corner.

After New Orleans regained a 5-4 lead, Salt Lake went ahead for good in the seventh when Lucas singled, stole second and scored on Kole Calhoun's single. One out later, Trevor Crowe scored on Luis Jimenez's sacrifice fly.

Raptors 4, Chukars 1 • Ogden jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first inning in its home game and never let Idaho Falls catch up.

Rockies 8, Owlz 2 • Orem was buried under a late flurry of Grand Junction hits and lost its away game. —

Storylines Bees 8, Zephyrs 5

R Ed Lucas goes 4 for 4 and Salt Lake gets a win over New Orleans.

• The Bees win for the fourth time in five games by rallying from an early 3-0 deficit.