Streaking Salt Lake wins again

A rare day off on Tuesday couldn't slow down the red-hot Salt Lake Bees.

Despite spotting the Sacramento River Cats a pair of runs on Wednesday night at Franklin Covey Field, the Bees rallied for a comfortable 8-2 victory — their ninth in a row.

A win tonight would tie the franchise record of 10 straight set by the 2000 Salt Lake Stingers.

Bees manager Brian Harper, though, is still being cautious.

"The tough part about it is that just as easy as it's going good now, it can go the other way," Harper said. "But in reality, the guys are pitching good. We're hitting good and guys are playing good defense. Things are going good now — but that could change tomorrow."

The Bees improved to 43-29 with the victory, while the River Cats fell to 36-37.

Joe Saunders, the Bees' most reliable starting pitcher this season, actually got off to a rocky start on Wednesday night. He gave up three hits — including a pair of doubles — in the first inning, as Sacramento jumped out to a 2-0 lead.

But the left-hander was in complete control over the next six scoreless innings to earn the victory, Saunders' team-leading eighth win of the year.

"The first inning was tough," Saunders said. "I left some balls up and I didn't spot my fastball well . . . But after the first inning, I started throwing the curveball and getting some ground balls and getting ahead early and that was the key."

Saunders has now gone seven or more innings nine times this year — including in seven of his last eight starts. The rest of the team put together has 12 starts of seven innings or longer.

"Joe is pitching great," said Harper. "He could easily have 10 or 11 wins right now."

Meanwhile, the Bees' offense continued to get the job done as well. The 12-hit attack included three home runs. First baseman Mike Eylward led the way with three RBIs and a two-run homer.

Bees second baseman Howie Kendrick, the PCL's leader in batting average, went 2-for-4 for the game with a solo homer. He's now hitting .398 for the season. Salt Lake outfielder Curtis Pride, meanwhile, has been on fire during the current homestand. He was 1-for-3 with a double and a walk on Wednesday. For the homestand, he's gone 16-for-27 — for an impressive .593 average during the past 10 games.