Series recap: Bees split another road series, this time in Vegas

The second-ranked prospect in the Los Angeles Angels organization, and top ranked position player Nelson Rada, finally cooled off after his recent hot streak. Whether it was the road environment or simply the grind on a 20-year-old, the outfielder finished the week in Las Vegas 4-for-19, highlighted by a two-hit performance on Thursday. Rada collected two RBIs on the week, including a double and an RBI walk, while continuing to show his defensive reliability with a perfect fielding percentage. His steady glove work builds on the Gold Glove recognition he earned during his time with Double-A Rocket City.

George Klassen made his second Triple-A start since appearing in two games with the Angels, and the fourth-ranked prospect delivered in a big way. In Saturday’s pitcher’s duel — played in front of the highest attendance of the series at Las Vegas Ballpark — the right-hander tossed 6 innings of one-run ball, striking out seven while allowing just two hits and three walks. Klassen lowered his ERA in Salt Lake to 2.20 across 16 innings, holding opposing hitters to a .231 average.

One of the hottest hitters in the nation, Denzer Guzman has been electric at the plate to start the season. The organization’s No. 7 prospect is riding a 13-game hit streak, tied for the longest in Triple-A. Guzman capped the series in Las Vegas by going 9-for-21 with a home run, a double, seven RBIs, and six runs scored while drawing three walks. He continues to anchor Salt Lake’s lineup as one of its most reliable bats.

After a brief stint with the Angels in the Bronx, Sam Aldegheri made his return to the Bees on Wednesday and showed exactly what he’s capable of. The Italian left-hander struck out seven over five innings, allowing just two hits and one walk before being lifted after 71 pitches. Aldegheri leaned heavily on his slider while mixing in a four-seam fastball, change-up, and curveball, commanding all four pitches with precision and effectively tunneling his arsenal.

Around the Bases

This week, the Bees will have their first three theme nights of the season. On Friday, May 1, the team will host Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Night with a Hula Bumble Bobblehead Giveaway. Saturday’s game sees “Gold Medal Night,” recognizing Olympians and the Olympic spirit of Utah. The homestand closes with the first Abejas day in Sunday’s matinee, with a T-shirt giveaway on deck.

What’s On Deck

Salt Lake returns home to face the Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A, San Francisco Giants) for the second time in Utah, hosting the Golden State squad for six-games. The series is scheduled to begin on Tuesday at 6:35 p.m. MDT at The Ballpark at America First Square.