Series recap: Punch for punch, Bees battle River Cats to opening split

Salt Lake Bees outfielder Gustavo Campero (2) safely slides to third base after hitting a triple against the Albuquerque Isotopes during a Minor League Baseball game held at The Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News Bees baseball is back as Salt Lake welcomed the Sacramento River Cats, Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, for a six-game series at The Ballpark at America First Square, marking the second season of action in Daybreak. The two clubs split the 2025 season series at 12 games apiece, and it was more of the same to open 2026, with each side taking three games to begin Salt Lake’s home slate.

Series recap Sacramento and Salt Lake each took home three victories this week, splitting the first of four six-game sets this season. The Bees opened up year two on Tuesday in The Ballpark at America First Square, taking their home opener 13-5. Wednesday saw the debut of the newest alternate identity: the Utah Dirty Sodas and despite reaching the five-run threshold for free Swig drinks, the Dirty Sodas fell to the River Cats 10-5.

Consistent snowfall and near-freezing temperatures on Thursday created poor field conditions, postponing the game and setting up a Saturday doubleheader. But first, on Friday, the Bees narrowly held on for a 6-5 win and took the edge in the series. Both squads split Saturday’s twin bill, with Salt Lake securing a 5-4 win in game one on the first walk-off of the year, while Sacramento surged ahead 7-1 in the nightcap.

Salt Lake let a late lead slip away in Sunday’s series finale that allowed the River Cats to score six runs over the final two frames. Sacramento’s 9-5 victory completed the six-game series and forced both teams to enjoy three wins a piece. Salt Lake sits at 3-6 and four games back of league leader, Las Vegas, after their first two series, while Sacramento is above .