Salt Lake Bees' Pettit stellar in return

It didn't take long for Chris Pettit to remind Salt Lake Bees fans of his value to the team on Wednesday night.

Pettit, making his first start since going on the disabled list on June 5, hit a two-out, run-scoring single to center in the bottom of the first against the Fresno Grizzlies at Spring Mobile Ballpark.

The Bees' outfielder, who was leading the Pacific Coast League in batting average before his injury, hit another run-scoring single in the fifth inning.

Alas, it wasn't enough, as the Grizzlies beat the Bees for the third night in a row, this time 6-3.

Pettit finished the game 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs, increasing his batting average to .368 — which would give him the league lead if he had enough plate appearances to qualify.

"It's nice to have (Pettit) back," said Bees manager Bobby Mitchell. "We might not have scored if it wasn't for him. He's swinging the bat good and his timing looks good, so that's a plus. He's going to help us, no doubt about it."

Pettit had surgery on his left hand to repair a fractured hamate just six weeks ago. He's been rehabbing the injury in Tempe, Ariz., where he hit .357 in four games before rejoining his Bees teammates.

"It's way better to be playing here than in Arizona," Pettit said. "Just the atmosphere is better. Plus, you guys might think it's hot, but it's pretty cool out there (compared to Arizona)."

The loss drops the Bees to 50-48, while the surging Grizzlies improved to 51-46.

The Bees actually led 3-2 entering the sixth inning after Pettit and catcher Bobby Wilson each drove in a run in the bottom of the fifth.

But Fresno shortstop Ryan Rohlinger hit a two-out, three-run homer off Bees starter Brad Salmon in the sixth inning. The Grizzlies never trailed again.

"The (pitching) mistakes are magnified because of our lack of offense," Mitchell said. "We've got to find a way to start scoring runs."

The same two teams will complete their four-game series tonight at 7.

Trevor Bell (3-2, 2.29 ERA), who has two complete-game shutout wins for the Bees, is scheduled to start against Fresno ace Kevin Pucetas (9-2, 3.43 ERA).