SALT LAKE CITY-Eric Thames homered and the Las Vegas Aviators repelled a late Salt Lake surge to prevail 8-5 over the Bees Friday at Smith’s Ballpark.

The Aviators built an insurmountable 6-1 lead in the 5th Inning which included Thames’ home run and an RBI single from Nate Mondou.

Norge Ruiz earned the win on the mound for Las Vegas, posting two strikeouts in as many innings of work.

Magneuris Sierra, Luis Rengifo and Matt Thais each had RBI for the Bees in a frantic 9th Inning comeback effort which fell short.

With the win, Las Vegas improves to 6-4 and Salt Lake plummets to .500 at 5-5.

The Bees and Aviators return to action Saturday at 6:35 pm at Smith’s Ballpark.