Bees' Weaver ties franchise record

Jered Weaver pitched his way into the Salt Lake Bees' record book Monday night.

The 6-foot-7 righthander extended his streak of scoreless innings pitched to 27 1/3 — matching Kevin Gregg's franchise record set in 2003 — with a complete-game performance in Salt Lake's 9-0 win over New Orleans at Franklin Covey Field.

"We should have played another inning and gotten him the record," joked Salt Lake manager Brian Harper, who credited the 23-year-old starter for being aggressive and throwing strikes.

The record-tying streak caught the pitcher by surprise.

"I didn't even know that. I had no idea," Weaver said after improving his record to 4-1. "I knew I had something going but I didn't think it was that many. I obviously wasn't thinking about that at all. I was just trying to go out there and throw a game and try to keep my team in the ballgame."

Weaver praised his teammates for driving in runs and making things easier for him.

Leading 4-0, Salt Lake erupted for five runs in the fifth inning. Jeff Mathis opened the outburst with an RBI double. Mike Eylward followed with a two-run single before Curtis Pride capped things off with a two-run homer.

Pride was also one of three Bees to have RBI singles earlier in the game, joining Nick Gorneault and Brian Specht.

Salt Lake's other run came on a fielder's choice.

The Bees racked up 12 hits in the series opener. The visiting Zephyrs, meanwhile, only had two baserunners reach second the whole night.

"It was a phenomenal game," Harper said. "What can you say?"

The series continues this morning at 10:30. Salt Lake LHP Nathan Bland (1-2, 4.50 ERA) and New Orleans RHP Nelson Figueroa (1-0, 6.55 ERA) are the scheduled starters.

Several thousand Utah elementary school children are expected to attend the game as part of an educational program.

BEES WAX: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim general manager Bill Stoneman is in town for a couple of days ... Infielder Kendry Morales was called up by the Angels. He'll be replaced in Salt Lake by Jason Bulger ... Because of scheduling and division realignments, New Orleans is making its first appearance in Salt Lake City since 2003 ... The Zephyrs are the top affiliate of the Washington Nationals ... Attendance was 4,373.