Orlando Holds Off Smokies 6-4

July 26, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release


ORLANDO -Tennessee put a scare into Orlando, pushing two runs across and bringing the winning run to the plate in the ninth before falling 6-4 to the Rays in front of 4,340 at Cracker Jack Stadium Saturday.

Orlando scored six times in the second inning off Smokies' starter Juan Pena (4-4), with Dan DeMent driving in two with a double to the wall in right-center and Jesus Feliciano also chipping in with a two-run single. After chasing Pena Orlando could manage only two base runners the rest of the game, as a pair of Tennessee relievers held the Rays to just two walks over their final six at-bats.

Bucky Jacobsen started the scoring with a solo home run off Orlando starter Scott Autrey (2-2) in the top of the second. It was the only earned run Autrey would allow on the night, as the right-hander tossed seven strong innings, allowing two runs on six hits. He walked one and struck out three in winning his second straight start.

In the ninth inning Orlando brought closer Josh Parker in to close out the game in a non-save situation. Parker got two quick outs before issuing a walk to Chris Weekly, then surrendering back-to-back singles and a run-scoring error that closed the gap to 6-4. With runners on first and second Parker got Jacobsen to pop out to second to end the game.

With the win, Orlando improved to 14-20 on the second half and 46-57 overall, while Tennessee slipped to 22-12, 58-46. Orlando has now won six of their last seven games and has taken three straight home contests.

The Rays and Smokies continue the four-game series tomorrow at 1:35, with Orlando sending RHP Chad Gaudin (1-0, 0.00) to the mound against RHP Nick Stocks (8-5, 4.38).



Southern League Stories from July 26, 2003


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