O-Rays Need Extra Innings to Get by Jaxx
August 17, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO -Joey Gathright drove in Shawn Riggans with the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning, lifting the Orlando Rays to a 4-3 win over the visiting West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx in front of 1,688 at Cracker Jack Stadium Sunday.
With one out in the 11th Riggans singled to right, and Fernando Cortez and Riggans executed a picture-perfect hit-and-run, putting Riggans on third with one out. Gathright came to the plate and chopped a two-strike single into right over the first baseman's head, giving Orlando the win.
Orlando squandered a chance to take the game in the ninth, as the Rays loaded the bases with two outs, but West Tennessee reliever Jason Szuminski (L, 7-4) struck out Rays outfielder Amado German to end the threat.
Alex Santos (W, 3-1) earned the win for the O-Rays after pitching two scoreless innings of relief, allowing one hit and striking out one. Gathright, Cortez and Dan DeMent had two hits apiece, while Jonny Gomes had a RBI and one run scored in the win.
With the win, Orlando improved to 25-28 on the second half and 57-65 overall. The loss dropped West Tennessee to 25-31 and 59-67 overall. Orlando has now won five of their last six games and improved to 32-27 at Cracker Jack Stadium.
The teams continue the series tomorrow at 7:05 as the Rays send right-hander Scott Autrey (3-3, 3.18) to the mound against West Tennessee righty Mike Nannini (10-7, 3.67).
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Southern League Stories from August 17, 2003
- Barons Down Lookouts, 5-3 - Birmingham Barons
- Suns rout Smokies, 9-3 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Suns Burn Smokies - Knoxville Smokies
- O-Rays Need Extra Innings to Get by Jaxx - Orlando Rays
- G-Braves, Mudcats Washed Out - Mississippi Braves
- Barons Blast Lookouts, 12-6 - Birmingham Barons
- Shelley Steers Stars Past Bears, 3-1 - Huntsville Stars
- G-Braves Take Two From Mudcats - Mississippi Braves
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