O-Rays Win Season Opener
April 4, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
Jackson, MS â The Orlando Rays opened their 2003 Southern League campaign with an 8-0 victory over the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx Thursday on the strength of strong pitching and timely hitting.
Orlando pitchers Jose Veras, Jim Magrane, John Benedetti and Bartolome Fortunato combined to hold the Diamond Jaxx to seven hits in the season opener at Pringles Park. Veras, the O-Rays starter, went 4.0 innings and allowed only two hits while striking out five. Magrane (1-0) got the win in relief, allowing one hit and striking out one in 1.0 innings pitched. Todd Wellemeyer (0-1) took the loss for the Jaxx, allowing five runs on two hits in 3.1 innings of work.
Not to be outdone by the Rays' pitchers, Gabby Martinez stole the spotlight offensively, going 3-4 with one run scored and one RBI. The speedy centerfielder also stole a base while hitting out of the leadoff spot. Rightfielder Matt Diaz and catcher Dan Massiatte each went 2-5 with a run scored.
The series continues tonight with the second game of the four-game set at 7:35 ET. The Rays will send lefty Jon Switzer (NR) to the mound to take on righthander Angel Guzman (NR) for the Diamond Jaxx.
Southern League Stories from April 4, 2003
- Paul Byrd to Rehab with Greenville - Mississippi Braves
- Charles Barkley Teams up with Barons to Hit a Homerun for Children's Hospital - Birmingham Barons
- O-Rays Win Season Opener - Orlando Rays
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