O-Rays Glad to Be Home
May 1, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO -The Orlando Rays offense finally broke out, pounding out 20 hits en route to a 15-3 route of the visiting Birmingham Barons Thursday, snapping a 12-game losing streak.
The Rays, who had dropped all twelve games on their last road trip, broke out the bats early, scoring five runs on six hits in the first inning. Dan Grummitt led the Rays attack with a 3-5 effort that included a two run blast deep into the night, clearing the scoreboard in left-center field. Grummitt finished with three RBI and scored three times for the Rays, who improved to 8-19 on the year. Matt Diaz had a 4-6 effort, while center fielder Gabby Martinez added three hits for the Rays.
Relief pitcher John Rocker made his O-Rays debut, pitching a scoreless eighth inning. The 28-year-old Rocker, signed by to a minor-league contract by Tampa on 4/10, allowed just one hit in his first outing.
Rays starter Jon Switzer (2-2) was on cruise control the rest of the way, holding the Barons to two earned runs on three hits over 6.0 innings.
The Rays and Barons square off again tomorrow at 7:05 as the Rays send RHP Brian Stokes (0-3, 2.13) to the mound to face RHP Brian West (1-1, 5.23).
O-Rays Notes:
· Tomorrow is Vision Service Plan (VSP) day at the ballpark, as VSP presents Kids Get Focused, a program designed to teach children the importance of getting regular eye examinations. O-Rays players will be on hand to talk about the importance of good eyesight and regular checkups, and to assist in demonstrations with the children in attendance. The program runs from 10 am - noon at Cracker Jack Stadium in Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, and media interested in covering the event are encouraged to attend.
· Media interested in talking with John Rocker are encouraged to contact Bill Mayville or Brian Fling in the O-Rays media relations department. Rocker will hold a brief Q&A session following batting practice tomorrow for Orlando Rays credentialed media.
Southern League Stories from May 1, 2003
- Lookouts Rally for 6-2 Win over Stars - Huntsville Stars
- Suns shut out slugging Mudcats, 2-0 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- O-Rays Glad to Be Home - Orlando Rays
- G-Braves fall in 9th - Mississippi Braves
- Smokies Jump on Jaxx - Knoxville Smokies
- BayBears fight their way to a win in Greenville - Mobile BayBears
- Cup of Coffee Book Signing Tour to Visit Hoover Met - Birmingham Barons
- G-Braves staff wheels into SunSet Park on May 8th - Mississippi Braves
- John Rocker Joins O-Rays For Tonight's Game vs. The Barons - Birmingham Barons
- RP John Rocker Joins O-Rays - Orlando Rays
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