O-Rays Fall to BayBears
May 16, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO - Orlando squandered an early 3-0 lead as Mobile came from behind to drop the Rays 6-3 in front of 2,638 fans at Cracker Jack Stadium.
Orlando grabbed a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning off RBI singles by Matt Diaz, Frank Moore and Juan Salas, but Mobile answered with six unanswered runs over the next eight innings. Despite finishing with nine hits on the evening the O-Rays offense couldn't come through when they needed it most, stranding 12 on the game, including leaving the bases loaded in the 7th and 9th innings. Diaz and Jace Brewer were the only Rays with multiple hits, with Diaz going 2-4 with one run and one RBI and Brewer going 2-4 with two doubles.
Jim Magrane pitched effectively for the Rays, going 5.2 innings, allowing three runs (all earned) on six hits while walking two and striking out three. John Benedetti (1-2) took the loss after giving up two earned runs on three hits in 1.2 innings.
Mike Bumstead put together a strong outing in a spot start after scheduled pitcher Johnny Hunter was promoted earlier in the afternoon, giving up three runs (all earned on seven hits over sic innings of work.
Orlando and the BayBears will continue their four-game series tomorrow at 7:05 p.m., with Rays RHP Jose Veras (0-3, 3.38) starting for the Rays, while Mobile counters with RHP Steve Watkins (1-3, 6.46).
Rays Notes
- Pro basketball Hall of Fame members Alex English, Nate "Tiny" Archibald and David Thompson along with pro and collegiate legends Otis Birdsong, Artis Gilmore, Jo Jo White and Bobby Jones are scheduled to be in attendance at Saturday's Orlando Rays - Mobile BayBears Southern League baseball game. Jo Jo White is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and fans will have the opportunity to meet the players and get autographs from the heroes of the hard courts. The group is in Orlando in conjunction with their Sports Legends Fantasy Camp.
- Tomorrow's game will start at 7:05 p.m. and will feature the Orlando Rays spectacular post-game fireworks show, as well as free batting helmets to the first 1,000 children ages 14 and under.
NOTE: Box Score Follows
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Southern League Stories from May 16, 2003
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- Chattanooga brings hot bats to plate, notches 6th straight win - Knoxville Smokies
- O-Rays Fall to BayBears - Orlando Rays
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