O-Rays Outlast Smokies 6-4
August 23, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
Kodak, Tenn.âThree Rays homered and Orlando held off Tennessee's rally as the Orlando Rays downed the Tennessee Smokies 6-4 at Smokies Park Saturday.
Orlando (27-29) got homers from Jonny Gomes, Shawn Riggans and Fernando Cortez and a solid effort from starting pitcher Jon Switzer (W, 8-8). The blasts by Riggans and Cortez were their first homers since joining the O-Rays, and Cortez's shot capped a 3-4 effort that included one RBI and two runs scored. Gomes' homer was his team-leading 17th of the year, while Riggans scored twice and drove in a pair of runs.
Orlando's win over Tennessee tightened the second half East Division even more. Tennessee's loss, coupled with the Carolina Mudcats 12-6 win over the Huntsville Stars, left the Smokies and Mudcats in a first-place tie in the race for the second half division title. With the win Orlando sits in 4th place but is just 4.0 games back with nine scheduled games remaining. The Rays also have three potential makeup games with the Mudcats, which will be played if the games will affect the division title and playoff race.
Switzer evened his record in his first start since being optioned from Tampa. The 24-year-old Switzer went five innings, limiting the Smokies to two runs â one earned â on four hits. Josh Parker (SV, 9) tossed a scoreless ninth in earning his second save in as many nights.
The Rays and Smokies close out the season series tomorrow at 5:00, with Orlando sending RHP Dewon Brazelton (NR) to the mound against Tennessee righty Nick Stocks (9-7, 4.67). Brazelton's start will be his first with Orlando on since August 25 of last year. The 2001 first round draft pick (no. 3 overall) spent most of 2002 with Orlando before shooting up the organizational ladder in September, being promoted first to Class AAA Durham then joining the Devil Rays on September 13. Brazelton, 23, spent the first part of 2003 with Tampa, going 1-6 with a 6.89 ERA in 10 starts with the D-Rays before being optioned to Class A Bakersfield. In nine games with the Blaze Brazelton was 1-5 with a 5.69 ERA, striking out 42 in 49.2 innings pitched.
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Southern League Stories from August 23, 2003
- Stars Drop Fourth Straight, 12-6 - Huntsville Stars
- Big Lookouts eighth dooms BayBears - Mobile BayBears
- O-Rays Outlast Smokies 6-4 - Orlando Rays
- Rays Power Past Smokies - Knoxville Smokies
- Suns drop home finale, 7-1 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Stars and Cats Sculpt a Beauty - Huntsville Stars
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