Orlando Rallies Past Mudcats 6-5
July 23, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO -Orlando's offense exploded for five runs in the sixth inning, rallying the Rays past the Carolina Mudcats for a 6-5 win at Cracker Jack Stadium Wednesday.
Frank Moore started the offensive fireworks in the sixth, leading off the inning with a solo home run to right. It was Moore's third homer of the season, cutting Carolina's lead to 4-2. Juan Salas and Jonny Gomes sandwiched a pair of doubles around a B.J. Barns groundout, with Gomes' double scoring Salas and cutting the lead to 4-3. Heath Kelly followed Gomes with a single, and Dan Grummitt provided the big blast of the inning, launching a three-run homer to left that put Orlando up 6-4. It was Grummitt's 10th home run of the season, and the three RBI pushed his team-leading total to 45 on the year.
The Mudcats would try to rally in the eighth, pushing one run across and then putting runners on second and third with one out off relief pitcher John Benedetti. After intentionally walking Drew Niles to load the bases, Benedetti struck out Jesus Medrano to end the threat. Josh Parker's ninth inning was much smoother than last night, allowing only a single to Pat Magness in earning his fifth save of the year.
Orlando starting pitcher Jon Switzer (7-8) battled through a rough start to the game, allowing four runs - two earned - over the first three frames of the night. He worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth, and then went on to retire the side in order in both the fifth and sixth innings.
The win snapped the Rays five-game home losing skid and evened the series with Carolina at one game apiece. Orlando now stands at 12-20 in the second half of the season and 44-57 overall. The Mudcats slipped to 16-15 on the second half and 58-41 on the year.
The Rays and Mudcats continue series tomorrow at 7:05, with Orlando sending RHP Jose Veras (4-8, 3.84) to the mound to face RHP Nic Ungs (0-2, 3.00).
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Southern League Stories from July 23, 2003
- BayBears offensive struggles continue - Mobile BayBears
- Smokies Survive Stars Rally - Knoxville Smokies
- Orlando Rallies Past Mudcats 6-5 - Orlando Rays
- Jurries prudent in Braves' win - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Jurries Lights Up Suns - Mississippi Braves
- Lookouts Squeak by Barons, 2-1 - Birmingham Barons
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- Lookouts Soak Barons, 7-3 - Birmingham Barons
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