SALT LAKE CITY (May 9, 2017) Nate Smith fired five and two-thirds shutout innings in his season debut and the Salt Lake Bees defeated the Omaha Storm Chasers, 9-1, Tuesday morning at Smith’s Ballpark in front of 14,366 fans on Prevention Dimension Kids Day.
Smith (1-0) retired the first nine batters he faced and surrendered only one hit in his first outing of 2017, and the Bees offense provided Smith plenty of run support. Salt Lake struck for two runs in the second, then added three in the fourth with the help of three bunt singles. Nolan Fontana and Eric Young, Jr. provided insurance with two-run homers in the fifth and sixth innings. Young Jr. led the Bees with three hits and three RBIs, while Fontana and Shane Robinson scored three runs apiece and Tony Sanchez collected two hits and drove in two runs.
Brooks Pounders relieved Smith and worked an inning and one-third before Eduardo Paredes threw two scoreless innings to secure the series victory. After an off day Wednesday, the Bees return to action Thursday at Smith’s Ballpark to open a four-game series against the Iowa Cubs. For tickets and additional information, visit slbees.com.