Bees Open Final First Half Homestand with Reno

The first-place Salt Lake Bees open their final homestand before the All-Star break Monday night at Smith's Ballpark with the first of four games against the Reno Aces.

Salt Lake returns home after a 5-3 road trip, splitting a four-game series in Tacoma and taking three of four in triple-digit temperatures at Las Vegas. The Bees begin their second consecutive home series against the Aces, as the two teams split a four-game series in Salt Lake's last appearances at Smith's Ballpark. Dustin Ackley leads Bee batters with 12 RBIs and 11 hits against Reno pitching, while Nolan Fontana has scored a team-high eight runs against the Aces. On the mound, reliever Eduardo Paredes leads Salt Lake hurlers with eight strikeouts against the Aces and has worked five and one-third innings versus Reno without allowing an earned run. Paredes returns to the Bees this homestand after making his MLB debut for the Angels at Fenway Park on June 24.
Fontana and Shane Robinson have led the Salt Lake offense since returning to the Bees lineup. Fontana has reached base in 17 of 20 June games, leads the Bees with 19 runs scored this month, and his ranks second among Bees with at least 10 June at-bats with a .435 on-base percentage. Robinson has recorded multiple hits in four of seven games since returning to Salt Lake, reached base in six of seven games, and leads the Bees with a .387 batting average since his return.
While Salt Lake leads the PCL in walks, stolen bases, and on-base percentage, the Bees face a potent Reno offense that tops the league in runs, hits, batting average, and slugging percentage. Ketel Marte and Oswaldo Arcia lead the Aces with 13 hits each against Salt Lake pitching, while Ildemaro Vargas and Carlos Rivero have each scored a team-best nine runs against the Bees. Marte leads the PCL in hits and ranks second in batting average, Arcia ranks third in the PCL in batting average, second in RBIS, and leads the league in on base and slugging percentage, and Vargas leads the PCL in doubles and runs scored.
The first two games of this series feature exciting promotions. Monday night is 80s night at Smith's Ballpark, as the Bees will wear throwback Salt Lake Trappers uniforms and fans will hear 80's music and enjoy 80s-themed on-field contests. On Tuesday, first responders with an official badge of ID can receive a free pair of tickets at the Smith's Ballpark box office as the Bees celebrate Community Heroes Night.
Following their series against the Aces, the Bees will stay home for Fourth of July weekend and host the Las Vegas 51s before closing the first half with a six-game road trip. For tickets and additional information, visit slbees.com.