Barns Powers Rays to Win
Published on August 24, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
Kodak, Tenn.âOrlando outfielder B.J. Barns drove in three runs and scored three times as the Orlando Rays won their final road game of the regular season, outlasting the Tennessee Smokies 10-4 at Smokies Park Sunday.
Barns started the evening on the bench and came in as a pinch runner for Joey Gathright, who left the game with an undisclosed injury. Barns made the most of his opportunity, going 2-5 on the night and setting season-highs with three runs and three RBI.
B.J. Upton and Jonny Gomes drove in two runs each, while Danny Massiatte, Fernando Cortez and John-Paul Davis all scored twice to pace the Orlando offensively, which won their third straight game and climbed to within three games back of division-leading Carolina. Dan DeMent also chipped in with two doubles and a run scored in the win.
Orlando (28-29) got a solid effort from starter Dewon Brazelton (W, 1-0), who allowed four runs â three earned â on six hits over 5 1/3 innings. Three Orlando relievers blanked the Smokies the rest of the way, holding Tennessee to two hits and one walk over the final 3 2/3 innings, and striking out nine.
With the win the O-Rays took the season series from the Smokies, 12 games to 11. The Rays return to Orlando for an eight-day homestand that could feature up to 11 games. The O-Rays and Carolina Mudcats, scheduled to close out the regular season with a four-game series August 29-September 1, have three make-up games that will be played if they would impact the second-half division race.
Orlando kicks off the homestand with a four-game series against the Greenville Braves. The first game of the homestand is Monday at 7:05, and features Orlando RHP Jim Magrane (9-6, 3.42) and Greenville righty Brett Evert (3-8, 4.18).
Southern League Stories from August 24, 2003
- Barns Powers Rays to Win - Orlando Rays
- Rays Offense Too Much For Smokies - Knoxville Smokies
- BayBears drop series finale - Mobile BayBears
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