Autrey, Cortez Put Clamps on G-Braves
Published on August 27, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO -Fernando Cortez laced a two-out single to left, scoring Jesus Feliciano with the winning run in the bottom of the ninth as the Orlando Rays downed the Greenville Braves 2-1 in front of 1,242 at Cracker Jack Stadium Wednesday.
While Cortez provided the late-inning heroics, Orlando starter Scott Autrey (W, 5-3) was the story of the night, tossing a complete game three hitter, helping the Rays snap a two-game losing skid. Autrey walked one and struck out four in tossing his first complete game of the season and winning his third straight decision.
Autrey's only mistake of the night came in the third inning as Greenville's Corey Aldridge smacked a solo home run to right, giving the Braves a 1-0 lead. All three of Greenville's hits on the night went for extra bases, but in each case Autrey slammed the door shut, stranding runners on second and third in the fifth and one runner at third in the seventh.
Orlando (29-31 2nd half, 61-68 overall) entered the game looking for offense anywhere they could find it, coming off back-to-back shutouts at the hands of the G-Braves. Greenville starter Ray Aguilar kept Orlando off the scoreboard until the seventh, when Frank Moore scored on Shawn Riggans' RBI swinging bunt single to knot the game at 1-1. Moore's run snapped a 26-inning scoreless streak for the O-Rays, who hadn't plated a run since the seventh inning of Sunday's 10-4 win at Tennessee.
Feliciano started the ninth off with a bunt single down the third-base line and advanced to second on a walk to B.J. Barns. Cortez followed with a looping single into left and Feliciano hustled around from second, scoring just ahead of the throw from Greenville leftfielder Jason Fitzgerald.
Cortez, Moore and Dan DeMent had two hits apiece on the night. Shortstop B.J. Upton, Tampa's 1st round draft pick (3rd overall) in the 2002 draft, made a dazzling defensive play in the ninth, first catching a scorching line drive off the bat of James Jurries and then throwing from the seat of his pants to first to double off Kelly Johnson.
The teams close out the season series tomorrow at 7:05, with the Rays sending RHP Travis Minix (4-3, 4.10) to the mound against Greenville righty Daniel Curtis (5-3, 3.06).
Southern League Stories from August 27, 2003
- Suns rally from 4 down to win in 10 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Barons Clinch Second Half, 6-2 - Huntsville Stars
- BayBears drop pitchers duel - Mobile BayBears
- Mudcats Top Smokies in 12 - Knoxville Smokies
- Autrey, Cortez Put Clamps on G-Braves - Orlando Rays
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