Bees Seek to Tackle First Place Grizzlies
The Bees (14-12) have gone 6-2 since the unusual five days off due to weather delays. The Bees have won their last two series 3-1 at home against the Portland Beavers and on the road against the Sacramento River Cats.
Trevor Bell is set to take the mound in the opening game of the series. Bell has been a breath of fresh air for the Bees bullpen which at one point had the highest team ERA in the league.
Bell had an incredible opening performance April 25 against Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee and the Tacoma Rainiers. Bell only gave up one run in 6.2 innings to get his first victory of the season. Bell's success continued in his latest appearance May 2 at home against Portland. Bell gave up five hits and two runs in six innings for a no decision.
Madison Bumgarner will likely take the start for the Grizzlies. Bumgarner has struggled in his first five starts with an ERA of 5.25 and only one win in the season.
Cory Aldridge continues to light up the plate with a league leading 24 RBI. Mark Trumbo has been a batting threat as well with six homeruns, tied fifth in the league, and a .313 average with 20 RBI.
Michael Ryan has maintained his hot streak from April into May. Ryan currently owns the fifth-highest batting average in the league with .351. Ryan had four consecutive multi-hit games from May 2 to May 5, three of which were at Sacramento.
Sean O'Sullivan showed no fear on the mound yesterday picking up his third win of the season against the River Cats. O'Sullivan was showing early struggles in the season with two losses and a 4.91 ERA in his first five outings. O'Sullivan bounced back, allowing only four hits and one run in seven innings. O'Sullivan has landed 32 strikeouts in the season, ranked third in the league.
The Bees return home Tuesday May 11 for the first series against Round Rock Express. Be sure to join us for KRAFT Singles Buy 1 Ticket, Get One Free Tuesdays, and tune in to the "Voice of the Bees" Steve Klauke on KFAN and slbees.com.