O-Rays Fall in Home Opener

April 11, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release


ORLANDO —A three-error second inning dug the Orlando Rays a hole they couldn't climb out of as the Rays fell to the Tennessee Smokies 4-1 at Cracker Jack Stadium at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex Friday.

Brian Stokes (0-1) was the beneficiary of some shaky fielding by Rays, who committed three errors in the second inning. The trio of defensive miscues led to three Smokies' runs, putting Orlando in a comeback mode early.

Offensively things weren't much better for the Rays. Antonio Perez accounted for the Rays only run with a solo home run in the seventh inning. Amado German went 2-3, while Felix Escalona and Matt Diaz were each 1-3. Southern League Hitter of the Week Gabby Martinez extended his hitting streak to eight games with a bunt single in the eighth inning.

Skip Schumaker led the attack for the Smokies, going 3-3 with a one RBI. Dan Heran (2-0) got the win, going 7.0 innings, allowing 5 hits and one run while striking out six. Michael Lyons eanred his second save after pitching a scoreless ninth.

The series continues tomorrow with the second game of the three-game set at 7:05 ET. The Rays will send righty Doug Waechter (0-1, 6.75) to the mound to take on righthander Jeremy Cummings (0-1, 7.20) for the Smokies. Gates will open at 5:15 as the pre-game fun starts with a celebrity softball game featuring former baseball greats Sudden Sam McDowell and Gary Carter will be played prior to the Rays game. Fans can also look forward to a fun post-game fireworks show.



Southern League Stories from April 11, 2003


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