By John Tomlinson
SALT LAKE CITY — The Stingers exploded for six runs in the first inning and kept it going as they cruised to a 12-3 victory over the first-place Edmonton Trappers on Monday, July 7.
Salt Lake had six hits in the first including an RBI double to left by catcher Wil Nieves. Nieves went 4-for-4 in the game with two RBIs and three runs scored.
“He is swinging the bat good,” manager Mike Brumley said. “He is swinging at strikes and producing some runs.”
Since June 24, Nieves has hit .462 and improved his overall batting average to .283. He had an 11-game hitting streak until he broke it on Saturday night going hitless, but he seems to be starting a new streak.
“I like catching, blocking, throwing the ball, but I can swing the bat too,” Nieves said.
Former Cougar Gary Johnson knocked in two runs during the Stingers” first inning rally with a single that landed just inside the third base line and rolled all the way to the fence in left field.
Salt Lake starting pitcher Matt Hensley avoided becoming only the seventh pitcher in team history to reach double digits in losses during one season. He improved his record to 5-9.
“I think he was a little bit on a mission to go out and throw a good game tonight,” Brumley said.
Trappers” third baseman Scott Hodges led his team with two hits and an RBI. The Trappers had nine hits in the game but were not able to produce many runs.
Stingers third baseman Keith Johnson extended his 14-game hitting streak with a single in the fourth inning.
With the win, the Stingers have won four of their last five games and improve their record to 44-47. The Trappers” record falls to 44-43 on the season.
The Stingers received great news on Sunday night about a former player.
Ex-Stingers pitcher Brendan Donnelly was named to the American League All Star team. He is the first Stingers player ever to be named to an All-Star team.
Donnelly played for the Stingers last season before being called up to the Anaheim Angels mid-season. He proved to be a huge asset in the Angels” run to the World Series Championship.
The Stingers continue their three-game series with the Trappers at Franklin Covey Stadium Tuesday, July 8, at 7 p.m.
