Autrey, German Power Rays to Win
August 22, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
Kodak, Tenn.âAmado German doubled twice and Scott Autrey won for the third time against the Smokies as the Orlando Rays downed Tennessee 5-2 at Smokies Park Friday.
Orlando (26-29) scored four times in the fifth inning to climb out of an early 2-0 hole. Tennessee grabbed the early lead on a two-run homer by Yadier Molina in the second inning off Autrey (W, 4-3). The two runs would be all the Smokies could muster off the Orlando starter, as Autrey and a pair of relievers combined to shut out Tennessee over the final seven frames. Autrey scattered seven hits over 6.1 innings pitched, striking out two and walking none in running his record against Tennessee to 3-0 on the year. Josh Parker (SV, 8) tossed a perfect ninth to earn his eighth save of the year.
German's two doubles also plated a pair of Orlando runs, while B.J. Upton and B.J. Barns each went 2-4 on the night. Upton chipped in with a double, RBI and run scored, while Barns scored once.
The Rays and Smokies continue their four-game series tomorrow at 7:15, with Orlando sending LHP Jon Switzer (7-8, 3.50) to the mound against Tennessee righty Julio Villalon (4-6, 4.26).
O-Rays Notes:
- Saturday and Sunday's games in Tennessee are the final two road games of the regular season for the O-Rays. The team returns home Monday for an eight-day homestand that could feature as many as 11 games over those eight days, as the team has three potential make-up games with Carolina. Those games will be played if their outcome will impact the second-half division champion/playoff race.
- RHP Dewon Brazelton will make his first start with Orlando since August 25 of last year. The 2001 first round draft pick (no. 3 overall) spent most of 2002 with Orlando before shooting up the organizational ladder in September, being promoted first to Class AAA Durham then joining the Devil Rays on September 13. The 23-year-old Brazelton spent the first part of 2003 with Tampa, going 1-6 with a 6.89 ERA in 10 starts with the D-Rays before being optioned to Class A Bakersfield. In nine games with the Blaze Brazelton was 1-5 with a 5.69 ERA, striking out 42 in 49.2 innings pitched.
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Southern League Stories from August 22, 2003
- Braves down bucking Suns, 9-7 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- BayBears win in 12 over Lookouts - Mobile BayBears
- Autrey, German Power Rays to Win - Orlando Rays
- Smokies Fall To Rays - Knoxville Smokies
- SL Honors Knott and Frasor - SL1
- Knott earns league's Hitter of the Week - Mobile BayBears
- Suns whetted, devour Braves, 11-1 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
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