Orlando Rallies to Stop G-Braves 8-7
May 25, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO -Juan Salas ripped a two-run single in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift Orlando to an 8-7 win over the visiting Greenville Braves at Cracker Jack Stadium Sunday.
Trailing 7-1 after six innings, the Rays pushed five runs across in the seventh, nearly tying the game on an RBI double by Matt Diaz that hit the base of the wall in left field. Diaz ended up stranded on third base but Orlando got to Braves reliever Kazuhiro Takeoka (2-2) in the 8th, pushing across the game-tying and game-winning runs on Salas' single.
Diaz went 2-4 with a double and two RBI while Jonny Gomes went 2-3 with a double and two runs scored in the win. Salas finished with three RBI on the afternoon, while Dan Grummitt added a 1-4 game with a double.
Orlando starter Brian Stokes was lifted as a precaution after just two innings of work due to stiffness in his pitching elbow. Bartolome Fortunato improved to 2-2 after pitching a scoreless eighth inning, and Evan Rust picked up his sixth save of the season after pitching a scoreless ninth, allowing one hit while striking out two.
Orlando and the Braves continue their four-game series tomorrow at 7:05 p.m., with the Rays sending RHP Doug Waechter (3-3, 3.76) pitching for the Rays, while the Braves counter with LHP Chris Waters (0-0, 3.18).
Rays Notes
- A pair of local athletes will square off on the mound tomorrow, as St. Petersburg native Doug Waechter pitches for Orlando while Lakeland native Chris Waters takes the hill for the G-Braves.
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