Bees sweep doubleheader

With the Pacific Coast League playoffs just around the corner, the previously struggling Salt Lake Bees got back on track on Saturday night at Franklin Covey Field against the Portland Beavers.

Thanks in large part to first baseman Mike Eylward, the Bees scored more runs in the first three innings of their doubleheader than they had in the previous four games combined. The result was a 5-3, seven-inning victory in the opener, ending the team's four-game losing streak.

It also gave starting pitcher Dustin Moseley his franchise-record 13th victory of the season in the process.

In the nightcap, the Bees didn't exactly pound the ball, but they got enough offense to win 3-2.

"You want to go into the playoffs with the feeling that you are on a bit of a roll, and that four-game losing streak left a bad feeling," said Bees manager Brian Harper. "So to win a couple of games tonight makes for a better feeling."

The Bees are now 80-62 on the year, the second most wins in a season in franchise history with two regular-season games remaining. The PCL Pacific Northern Division champion Bees will open the best-of-five playoffs Wednesday in Tucson against the Sidewinders.

In the opener, Eylward drove in four of the five runs, including a three-run double in the third that gave the Bees a 4-1 lead. Salt Lake had scored just three runs total in its previous four games. Moseley gave up six hits in six innings, but three of those were solo home runs.

"It felt good, man," said Moseley, who improved to 13-8 on the year. "I want to go out there and have a quality start, which I did. I gave up some home runs, but they were only solo shots, so they didn't hurt me."

In the nightcap, four Bees pitchers were used, giving up just two runs on eight hits. The game was tied entering the bottom of the seventh (and final) inning. After Salt Lake loaded the bases with one out, Nathan Haynes drove home the winning run by drawing a walk to end the game.

The Bees will finish up the regular season with a pair of afternoon games, as they'll host the Beavers today and Monday at 2 p.m.

BEES WAX: The Bees will open the best-of-five playoff series at Tucson beginning Wednesday with the first two games being played on the Sidewinders' home field. The third game will be Friday at Franklin Covey Field. The Bees will also host the fourth and fifth games, if necessary. Tickets are on sale now. ... Attendance on "fan appreciation night" was 6,387.