Bees Open 2022 Home Schedule Against Las Vegas Aviators

SALT LAKE CITY – The weather cooperated as the snow let up long enough for the Salt Lake Bees to begin their 2022 home schedule with a doubleheader at Smith’s Ballpark.

After Opening Day was postponed due to inclement weather on Tuesday night, the Bees hosted the Aviators in an  afternoon doubleheader on Wednesday, April 13.

The sun is out at Smith’s Ballpark, as @SaltLakeBees take on Las Vegas in a doubleheader today. 4:05 first pitch with the broadcast beginning at 4 on @1280thezone. pic.twitter.com/65zU3mBnx7

— Steve Klauke (@slbeesradio) April 13, 2022

Angles No. 11 prospect, Janson Junk got the start and struck out the side in the first inning to open to 2022 home campaign. This was the second appearance of the season for Junk who got the no-decision after allowing five hits and two earned runs in the season opener against Tacoma on April 5.

In the bottom half of the first, Michael Stefanic led off with a single back up the middle, but was promptly erased when third baseman Kean Wong hit into a double play.

Las Vegas got to Junk in the second inning when, after a single from Eric Thames, Dalton Kelly went the opposite way for a double against the shift. Drew Jackson brought both runners around when he lined a single to left, giving the Aviators a 2-0 lead.

The Bees struck back in the bottom of the second, capitalizing on a hit by pitch and a throwing error from Aviator second baseman Nate Mondou. With runners on first and second, outfielder Monte Harrison singled back up the middle, scoring Dillon Thomas from second. It was Harrison’s fourth RBI of the season. Magneuris Sierra grounded out to end the threat with the Bees trailing 2-1 after two innings.

In the fourth inning, Salt Lake was able to load the bases on a single by David MacKinnon sandwiched around walks from Harrison and Luis Rengifo. Aviators starter Parker Dunshee got out of the jam by inducing Brendon Davis into a groundout to end the inning with Las Vegas in front 2-1.

With two out and a runner on second, Junk was pulled in favor of Kyle Barraclough. In his second appearance of the season, Barraclough walked Christian Betancourt before striking out the Aviators designated hitter, Eric Thames.

Best view in @MiLB 1st home Salt Lake Bees game 🐝 ⚾️ #OpeningDay2022 @SmithsBallpark #SaltLakeCity pic.twitter.com/BkZPIp3wTU

— Michael Margolies (@mrmargolies) April 14, 2022

Las Vegas added two insurance runs in the seventh inning, taking a 4-1 lead into the final half inning.

Sierra led of the bottom of the seventh with a single to left that was followed by an RBI-single from Stefanic that cut the deficit to 4-2. With the tying run on first, Wong struck out swinging, Matt Thaiss flew out to center and Brendon Davis end the game with a weak fly out to right.

Parker Markel (2-0) gets the win out of the bullpen while Junk (0-1) takes his first loss of the season. Ryan Castellani finished the game for his third save of the season.

First pitch for game two of the doubleheader is set for 7:10 p.m. (MST)

Follow @bpreece24