Carolina Stuns O-Rays in 9th
July 22, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO -The Carolina Mudcats scored twice in the top of the ninth to snatch a victory away from Orlando, downing the Rays 4-3 at Cracker Jack Stadium Tuesday.
Leading 3-2 entering the ninth, Orlando turned the game over to closer Josh Parker, and the Mudcats wasted no time in putting the tying and go-ahead runs on base, with Josh Wilson and Pat Magness opening the ninth with back-to-back singles. Chris Ashby continued his hot night at the plate by blasting a two-run double off the wall in left, putting the Mudcats ahead for good. Orlando never threatened in the ninth, with the heart of the Rays' order going down 1-2-3. Parker slipped to 0-2 on the season, while Orlando starter Jim Magrane took a no-decision despite allowing two runs - both earned - on four hits and two walks in seven innings pitched. He also struck out four on the night.
Trailing 1-0 going into the bottom of the sixth, Orlando exploded for three runs on four hits in the inning, highlighted by Frank Moore's two-run double off the wall in right-center. Juan Salas followed with a RBI single that scored Moore, before Salas was caught trying to stretch the single into a double. All three runs were scored with two outs, giving the Rays a 3-1 lead after six innings.
In the seventh Mudcats leftfielder Tommy Bost cut Orlando's lead to 3-2 with a solo home run to right. Orlando tried to answer in the seventh when Jonny Gomes lead off the inning with a double to center. After Amado German flew out to left, Dan Grummitt launched an apparent home run to left field that Bost pulled back into the park. Gomes would end up stranded on second and the missed opportunity would come back to haunt the Rays.
Gomes finished the night 2-4 with a double, while Moore went 2-4 with a double, run scored and two RBI. Chris Ashby was a one-man wrecking crew for the Mudcats, going 3-4 with a homer, two doubles, one run scored and two RBI.
The loss snapped the Rays three-game winning streak and extended their home losing skid to five games. It was also the first time in 30 games the Rays took a lead into the ninth inning and lost.
The Rays and Mudcats continue series tomorrow at 7:05, with Orlando sending LHP Jon Switzer (6-8, 3.62) to the mound to face RHP Denny Bautista (4-0, 1.82).
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