Big inning dooms Salt Lake Bees vs. Tucson

SALT LAKE CITY — It was the Bees who found themselves on the wrong side of the "big inning," as Tucson managed to score all nine runs in the fifth to down the home team 9-6.

One could simply pass the blame onto the pitching staff, whose dismal night spiraled out of control in the critical fifth inning that featured nine earned runs on 11 hits — which concluded with a three-run homer by Tucson slugger Sawyer Carroll.

On the other hand, Salt Lake manager Keith Johnson was put in another position to make adjustments Tuesday after the Los Angeles Angels called upon outfielder Kole Calhoun. It was the second time in a week the manager has been asked to part with a key player, and be given no player in return after pitcher Garrett Richards departed to Los Angeles last Wednesday.

"There is a residual effect," said Johnson. "It's just one of those things where you are stretched that thin bad things seem to find you, so to speak."

The manager admitted even though their postseason chances are slim after Tuesday nights loss, that the mentality in the clubhouse is simply going out every night and playing solid baseball.

"It's still about playing good baseball," said Johnson. "There are some guys that have had good years up to this point that are trying to finish up strong, and there are some guys that are on the cusp of turning an okay year into a pretty good year."

Cory Aldridge slugged his 19th home run of the season in the bottom of the eighth inning that scored Luis Jimenez and Hank Conger to bring the Bees within three runs. It was a nice spark for the Salt Lake dugout, but flamed out after Ed Lucas was retired in the next at bat.

"We know, as far as our offense, that it's tough to get us down because we have guys that can hit," said Aldridge. "Being behind isn't a problem, you just can't live behind."

The big picture moving forward is getting the players ready for the end of the season, where September call-ups may be in the picture for a collective bunch of Salt Lake players as mentioned by Johnson.

"No one knows whose going to get called up, but all the guys who think they have a chance ... it's an opportunity for them to finish strong and if they get the call to contribute," said Johnson.

NOTEBOOK: Peter Bourjos finished 3-for-5 with an RBI and a triple. Aldridge was able to go 1-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored, while Conger went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a pair of doubles.

TRIPLE THREAT: In their first at-bats, Bourjos and Andrew Romine smacked back-to-back triples. That is 49 trips for the Bees this season, which is second most in the PCL.

ANGEL RECALL: For the third time this season, Kole Calhoun has been called up to the Los Angeles Angels. The 24 year old has appeared in 11 games for the Halos this season, hitting .200 with a double and a stolen base.

ATTENDANCE: Things started smooth, but took a sour turn midway as 5,559 baseball fans endured the loss at Spring Mobile Ballpark.

email: cjohnson@desnews.com