Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake pitcher Wade LeBlanc has been outstanding for the Bees since rejoining the team in June.
LeBlanc has gone 2-0 since the All-Star Game, giving up only 2.49 earned runs per start. However, he ran into an early buzz saw Thursday as the El Paso Chihuahuas won the opening game of a five-game series, beating the Bees 13-2 in a Pacific Coast League game at Smith’s Ballpark.
The Chihuahuas scored three runs in the top of the first inning, primed by a two-run home run to left field from first baseman Cody Decker. El Paso catcher Adam Moore hit a solo home run in the second inning, and scored a run in the third to take a 5-0 lead.
Salt Lake countered El Paso by scoring two runs in the fourth inning as left fielder Roberto Lopez scored on a single by second baseman Vance Albitz. Also, first baseman Ryan Wheeler scored on a shortstop Shawn O’Malley single.
El Paso scored three runs in the first inning to take command over Salt Lake.
However, El Paso scored four runs in the sixth inning and four runs in the seventh inning, putting the series opener on ice.
LeBlanc took the loss, surrendering five earned runs in 3.2 innings. El Paso starting pitcher Juan Oramas earned the win, giving up two runs in seven innings.
On a statistical note, the Bees’ pitching staff set a new season-high in walks, with 12 Chihuahuas reaching base on balls.
The second game of the series between Salt Lake and El Paso takes place Friday, with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. Bees right-hander Jarrett Grube is set to face off against Chihuahuas right-hander Matt Wisler.
Salt Lake will be celebrating a special event Friday as the Bees’ mascot, Bumble the Bee, will be celebrating his birthday and will have several mascots from around the state join him in his celebration.
