Salt Lake Bees blow big lead in the 9th

COLORADO SPRINGS — Jay Payton's two-run double capped off a five-run rally in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Colorado Springs Sky Sox an improbable 8-7 win over the Salt Lake Bees on Thursday night.

The Bees led 7-3 entering Colorado Springs' final at-bat, but the Sky Sox loaded the bases against Gabe DeHoyos with a double and two walks. Michael Kohn (2-2) came out of the Bees' bullpen and gave up a two-run single to Michael McKenry. Chris Frey laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners, but Kohn threw the ball into the bullpen to bring home a run and put the tying and winning runs at second and third. After Kohn struck out Omar Quintanilla, Payton lined the first pitch into the left-field corner to end the game.

The Colorado Springs comeback spoiled the Bees' debut of starting pitcher Eric Junge, who allowed two runs on five hits in 62/3 innings with eight strikeouts and no walks.

Alexi Amarista went 3-for-4 with a double and a triple in his Triple-A debut. Paul McAnulty had two hits, including a double and a home run, with RBIs, while Nick Gorneault and Darwin Perez each added two hits and two RBIs for Salt Lake.