Bees win; big bats getting ready for postseason run

As far as the standings go, Sunday afternoon's game at Franklin Covey Field between the Salt Lake Bees and the Portland Beavers was meaningless. The Bees had already clinched the Pacific Coast League's Pacific Northern Division title nearly a week earlier, making the second-to-last regular season game of the year not much more than an exhibition.

Still, Salt Lake's 8-6 win was important — if for nothing more than as a confidence builder for a couple of big hitters who will likely have to produce if the Bees are to go far in the playoffs.

Dallas McPherson and Nick Gorneault — Salt Lake's two best power hitters — each got on track in the victory. McPherson went 2-for-4 with four RBIs and a tape-measure homer. Gorneault had a pair of hits — including a triple off the fence in the gap in right center — and walked twice.

The eight-run output was a far cry from the scoring woes the team had recently when they plated a grand total of three runs in four games, all losses. Suddenly, Salt Lake is on a three-game winning streak.

"Nick swung the bat better and so did Mac (McPherson)," said Bees manager Brian Harper. "We've swung the bat better the past few games as a team, so we feel we're ready (for the playoffs)."

Mike Eylward and Adam Pavkovich also had two hits each, while Pavkovich ripped his 11th homer of the season.

The Bees are now 81-62 entering this afternoon's regular-season finale. They open the best-of-five playoffs Wednesday in Tucson against the Sidewinders, owners of the PCL's best record. Game three of the series will be Friday in Salt Lake, with the fourth game Saturday and the fifth Sunday, if necessary.

In addition to the improved offense, Harper was pleased with the work of his team's bullpen on Sunday. Matt Hensley and Marcus Gwyn combined to pitch four innings of shutout relief. Gwyn picked up his sixth save of the year by striking out Portland slugger Jack Cust, who is second in the PCL with 30 homers this season, with a baserunner on second in the bottom of the ninth.

"Marcus Gwyn didn't have his best stuff, but he still pitched well," said Harper. "He's been great for us during the second half of the season."

BEES WAX: The victory clinched the home series win over Portland. It was the first series victory at home since July 7-9, as the Bees have actually had better success in recent weeks on the road than they've had at Franklin Covey Field. ... Two former Bees players will wind up with the longest streaks in the PCL this season in different categories. Reggie Willits had a 30-game on-base streak and Howie Kendrick had a 19-game road hitting streak. Both Willits and Kendrick are now with the parent Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. ... Attendance for Sunday's game was 4,196.

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