LaForest Sparks O-Rays Win
May 15, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO - Orlando jumped to a 6-1 lead after four innings and survived a furious Mobile rally in the 8th inning as the Rays knocked off the BayBears 6-4 at Cracker Jack Stadium.
In his first game action since September 2002, designated hitter Pete LaForest picked up right where he left off, launching a solo home run off BayBears starting pitcher Chris Rojas (2-4) in his second at-bat of the game. LaForest, who finished 2002 in a tie for the Southern League home run title, had doubled earlier in the evening, finishing 2-4 with a HR, double, run and RBI. Amado German and Jace Brewer each drove in a pair of runs for the Rays, who improved to 17-22 on the year and won for the 10th time in their last 13 games.
Mobile mounted a comeback effort in the eighth inning, scoring three runs off the Orlando bullpen to pull within two. With runners on first and second and one out, Frank Moore and Brewer combined to turn a spectacular double play to end the inning and any hopes of a Mobile comeback.
Doug Waechter (3-2) earned the win after allowing one unearned run on seven hits over 7.0 IP. Evan Rust earned his fifth save on the year and third in the last week after pitching a perfect ninth.
Orlando and the BayBears will continue their four-game series tomorrow at 7:05 p.m., with Rays RHP Jim Magrane (3-2, 3.96) starting for the Rays, while Mobile counters with RHP Johnny Hunter (0-1, 9.00).
Rays Notes
- CA Pete LaForest was assigned to Orlando Thursday afternoon after spending time in the Devil Rays extended spring training camp.
- The first 1,000 fans through the gates at Cracker Jack Stadium on Friday will receive an Orlando Rays baseball compliments of Diamond Sports.
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Southern League Stories from May 15, 2003
- Stars Rout Jaxx, 10-4 - Huntsville Stars
- Orlando's five-run fourth too much for BayBears - Mobile BayBears
- Braves rally to beat Suns, 4-3 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- LaForest Sparks O-Rays Win - Orlando Rays
- Late rally lifts G-Braves - Mississippi Braves
- Jim Palmer to visit Greenville Municipal - Mississippi Braves
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