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SALT LAKE CITY — Earlier this past week, the Salt Lake Bees set a record on the season — the franchise went five days without a player exchange of any kind.
With all of the injuries and trades Bees parent club Los Angeles has been forced to make, Salt Lake’s lack of roster moves was a welcome change for a club lacking consistency. However, in the last three days, Salt Lake has moved five players, with infielder Taylor Lindsey being traded to the Padres as part of the Angels’ trade for closer Huston Street.
All of that being considered, the Bees were able to pitch themselves to a win Sunday against Las Vegas, earning a series split with the 51’s on the back of a 3-0 victory, at Smith’s Ballpark.
Bees pitcher Caleb Clay, who has seen his fair share of moves from Salt Lake to Los Angeles and back, pitched a complete game shutout, surrendering only three hits while striking out six batters.
"(Clay) did a great job of mixing speeds and hitting his spots," Bees manager Keith Johnson said.
Clay said his success came from locating his pitches.
“I established my fastball early on both sides of the plate, and slowly got all three of my other pitches mixed in,” said Clay, who is now 3-1 for Salt Lake. “(I) tried to keep them off guard, keep them honest and keep them guessing. Of course, our defense really helped me out a few times.”
The Bees got on the board in the second inning as second baseman Tommy Field scored on a single from center fielder Tony Campana, giving Salt Lake a 1-0 lead.
Salt Lake added to the scoring in the sixth inning with two more runs scored. First, shortstop Vance Albitz doubled, setting both he and catcher Luis Martinez at second and third base, respectively. Then, a Campana single scored both, giving the Bees a 3-0 lead.
Clay pitched the first complete game shutout for Salt Lake since July 31, 2012.
Bees manager Keith Johnson said Clay’s performance was complete, and not just as far as innings.
"(Clay) did a great job of mixing speeds and hitting his spots," he said. "He kept those guys off balance. They weren't able to get themselves into deep counts over and over again. He didn't throw fast balls when he got into those counts. He had confidence to get himself out of those situations and all of his pitches. He did a great job today of finishing his innings."
Las Vegas starter Rafael Montero took the loss, going only four innings for the 51’s.
The Bees host a four-game series with Reno starting Monday, with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. Bees right-hander Chris Volstad, who will make his first start for the franchise, will face off against Aces right-hander Mike Bolsinger.
