Thanks to Sox , Stingers still slumping

A couple of former Negro League baseball players were at Franklin Covey Field on Saturday night to help the Salt Lake Stingers honor Jackie Robinson.

Perhaps Salt Lake manager Mike Brumley should have put 'em in uniform — the Stingers sure could have used any help they could have gotten.

Salt Lake continued its slumping ways, falling to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 8-2. It was the Stingers' fourth loss in a row — their third such streak of the season — and their 17 defeat in the last 22 games.

After a 12-2 start, the Stingers now stand at 16-19 and are in last place of the PCL North Division.

"It's just hard on you," Brumley said. "You have that sick feeling in your stomach."

He really could have used some Pepto-Bismol in the seventh inning when the Sky Sox — held somewhat in check by Stinger starter Steve Green — teed off on middle reliever Yoshi Mizuo.

The Japanese lefty gave up four hits, four runs, two walks and a wild pitch in one inning. The big blow of the seventh came when Colorado Springs designated hitter Andy Tracy cranked a grand slam onto the sidewalk on top of the right-field berm to put the Sky Sox up 7-1.

That was the second grand salami the Stingers have served an opponent in three games. Tracy finished with six RBIs, four hits and two runs scored.

"It's the old, 'When it rains it pours,' " Brumley said.

As if they needed more dark clouds, the Stingers lost yet another player. Second baseman Billy Boyer, who was playing high school ball this time last year, left in the sixth inning after banging up his knee while diving for a ball.

Though he's yet to notch a Triple-A hit, the young talent showed he has some serious skills at second before getting injured. He made several highlight reel-worthy defensive plays, including a tough backhanded snag and throw from his glove to complete a double play.

Brumley said Boyer will return to Arizona — where he played extended spring ball — for treatment. The Stingers are expecting injured infielder Casey Smith back as early as today.

"We get one going and one goes down," Brumley said. "He (Boyer) played well tonight. He made some great plays. It's a good experience for him."