Long Ball, Errors Push Rays to Second Straight Loss
May 24, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO -Greenville took advantage of three Orlando errors and blasted three home runs off O-Rays pitching as the Braves dropped the Rays 6-2 in front of 3,009 at Cracker Jack Stadium Saturday.
Starting pitcher Jon Switzer (3-4) took the loss for the Rays after going 6.1 innings, allowing three runs - all earned - on seven hits while striking out six. He gave up a pair of solo home runs, one to Adam LaRoche in the 4th inning and another to leadoff batter Cory Aldridge in the 7th inning before being removed with the Rays trailing 3-2. Bartolome Fortunato was the unwilling beneficiary of some shaky fielding by the Rays outfielders, who prolonged the inning with a pair of miscues in the field, leading to Bill McCarthy's three-run homer off Fortunato that put the game out of reach.
Jorge Cantu led the O-Rays attack with a 2-4, one RBI effort, while Dan DeMent added a triple for the Rays, who dropped to 19-28 after losing their second straight.
Orlando and the Braves will continue their four-game series tomorrow at 1:35 p.m., with RHP Brian Stokes (2-5, 3.14) pitching for the Rays, while the Braves counter with RHP Matt Belisle (2-5, 3.93).
Rays Notes
- Tampa Bay made four roster moves prior to the game Saturday that affected the Orlando roster: RHP Jim Magrane (4-2, 4.29) and LHP Mark Malaska (1-1, 2.16, 19 relief appearances) were promoted to Class AAA Durham, while LHP Derek Andersen (1-1, 2.82) was promoted to Orlando from Class A Bakersfield. RHP Matt White was activated from Durham's disabled list and optioned to Orlando, and White will take Magrane's spot in the rotation.
Southern League Stories from May 24, 2003
- Stars Win Second Straight, 13-9, over Jaxx - Huntsville Stars
- BayBears win second straight over Barons - Mobile BayBears
- Long Ball, Errors Push Rays to Second Straight Loss - Orlando Rays
- Farmer paces Suns in 5-1 win - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Smokies Shutout Lookouts - Knoxville Smokies
- Suns Reschedule Kids Run the Bases for Holiday Weekend - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Stars Stop Slide with 5-2 Win over Jaxx - Huntsville Stars
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