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The Bees didn't give up 23 runs at Smith's Ballpark on Friday night, but their offensive woes did carry over. Failing to score with multiple runners on in separate situations, the Bees dropped their second straight game of the three-game homestand 4-1 against the Grizzlies, who have now scored 27 total runs heading into Saturday's series finale. In the ninth, Ji-Man Choi had a full count with runners on second and third, but struck out to end the game.
Turning Point • After the Bees failed to bring home a score with the bases loaded in the seventh, infielder Alex Bregman dinged a two-run homer to left on a 2-0 count, extending the Grizzlies' lead to 4-1 heading into the ninth. The Bees managed to get runners on second and third in the ninth, but failed again to bring them home.
Bees MVP • With the bases loaded in the fifth inning, Brendan Smith patiently took four balls to bring home the Bees' only score of the night.
Hidden Hero • Even in a loss, Bees ace Nate Smith was sharp. Despite giving up two earned runs in the first two innings, Smith struck out eight in seven innings, not giving up any more runs in his last five.
Flashing Leather • Fresno's Preston Tucker, the second at-bat of the game, hit a deep ball to left center that didn't look catchable. Bees left fielder Ji-Man Choi then ran full speed from left, laid out head first, and robbed the hit.
Angel Angle • Relief Pitcher Joe Smith was activated from the disabled list after missing three weeks with a strained hamstring. Pitcher Mike Morin will move down to Triple-A to make room.
History Lesson • July 1, 1998: Frank Rodriguez threw a complete game, four hit shutout as the Buzz blanked the Cannons 5-0 at Calgary. Rodriguez fanned three and hits two batters, while Chad Rupp and Marc Lewis hit home runs for Salt Lake.
What's next • Saturday: Salt Lake David Huff (0-2, 7.23) vs. Fresno Mile Hauschild (5-7, 3.02), 6:35 p.m. PCL Standings
American North W L Pct. GB
Okla. City (Dodgers) 44 36 .550 —
Colo. Sprngs (Brewers) 39 38 .506 3½
Iowa (Cubs) 38 42 .475 6
Omaha (Royals) 33 46 .418 10½
American South W L Pct. GB
Nashville (Athletics) 47 35 .573 —
Round Rock (Rangers) 43 38 .531 3½
Memphis (Cardinals) 38 42 .475 8
New Orleans (Marlins) 37 41 .474 8
Pacific North W L Pct. GB
Tacoma (Mariners) 44 35 .557 —
Reno (Diamondbacks) 42 38 .525 2½
Fresno (Astros) 39 39 .500 4½
Sacramento (Giants) 34 47 .420 11
Pacific South W L Pct. GB
El Paso (Padres) 47 33 .588 —
Las Vegas (Mets) 42 37 .532 4½
Salt Lake (Angels) 38 40 .487 8
Albuquerque (Rockies) 31 49 .388 16
Friday's games
Omaha 5, Memphis 4, 10 innings
Oklahoma City 9, Nashville 6
Fresno 4, Salt Lake 1
New Orleans at Colorado Springs, late
Reno at El Paso, late
Albuquerque at Sacramento, late
Las Vegas at Tacoma, late
Saturday's games
Iowa at Round Rock, 3:30 p.m.
Iowa at Round Rock, 6:05 p.m.
Memphis at Omaha, 6:05 p.m.
New Orleans at Colo. Springs, 6:05 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Nashville, 6:05 p.m.
Fresno at Salt Lake, 6:35 p.m.
Reno at El Paso, 7:05 p.m.
Albuquerque at Sacramento, 8:05 p.m.
Las Vegas at Tacoma, 8:05 p.m.