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SALT LAKE CITY — Getting off television may have been the best thing for the Salt Lake Bees Friday.
Salt Lake is 1-4 in televised games, and lost to the Tacoma Rainiers 4-1 in a nationally televised game Thursday. However, the Bees’ offense showed early life in the series finale, as Salt Lake defeated Tacoma 4-3 in a Pacific Coast League game at Smith’s Ballpark.
Wade LeBlanc made his eighth quality start of the season for Salt Lake, propelling the Bees to a victory. Bees manager Keith Johnson said LeBlanc set a consistent tone early.
“Once again, (Wade) did a great job for us,” said Johnson, whose Bees are now 47-67 in the PCL. “He left the ballgame under control, with the lead. It’s something that he’s been doing for us for his last few starts. It’s good for us to put a “W” in the win column for him.”
Wade LeBlanc pitched seven innings for Salt Lake to earn the win.
Bees left fielder Shawn O’Malley scored in the first inning on a groundout from third baseman Luis Jimenez. Then, outfielder Brennan Boesch scored on a two-out single by shortstop Tommy Field, giving Salt Lake a 2-0 lead.
Salt Lake added another run in the third as Jimenez hit a solo home run — his 18th home run of the season — to give the Bees a 3-0 lead.
Tacoma scored its only run of the game in the fifth as catcher Humberto Quintero scored on a single from shortstop Leury Bonilla.
However, Jimenez scored on a double by Taylorsville High alumni John Buck in the eighth inning to answer.
The Rainiers mustered one final rally in the ninth inning, scoring two runs. However, with runners on first and second, relief pitcher Fernando Salas earned the save by getting two groundouts.
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Collin Cowgill became the seventh Angel to play for Salt Lake on a rehab assignment. Cowgill was with Salt Lake after suffering a facial fracture and thumb injury on a botched bunt attempt on July 13. He finished 1-for-3, with a walk and a strikeout.
Cowgill said it was good to see live pitching again.
“I felt good,” said Cowgill, who expects to be back with the Angels early next week. “I saw a bunch of pitches, and got a hit. I drew a walk, so it was good. The thumb feels good, and no issues with the nose.”
Bees starting pitcher LeBlanc earned the win for Salt Lake, surrendering one run in seven innings, while striking out nine. Tacoma’s James Gillheeney took the loss.
Of random statistical note, every single Tacoma player in the starting lineup struck out.
Salt Lake begins a quick four-game road trip Saturday as the Bees travel to Fresno to take on the Grizzlies. Salt Lake right-hander Jarrett Grube is scheduled to start the Bees, while Fresno righty Austin Fleet is set to throw for the Grizzlies.
