Rays down Suns, 4-1
July 17, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. â Frank Moore and Dan Grummitt each had two-run hits to lead the Orlando Rays past the Suns, 4-1, in front of 6,650 fans on Thursday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
Moore hit a two-out single in the third inning off Suns starter Will McCrotty to give Orlando a 2-0 lead. Grummitt lined a ball to center field just out of the reach of Shane Victorino that rolled to the wall, going for a triple. Two runs scored, boosting the lead to 4-0 for the Rays (40-55 overall, 8-18 second half). McCrotty (1-2) was dealt the loss, although he pitched six innings, a career most.
Rays spot starter Travis Minix left the game after throwing three shutout innings. The Suns (46-49, 15-11) scored off reliever Alex Santos in the fourth. Reggie Abercrombie singled to lead off the inning and stole second base on the next pitch. With one out, Nick Alvarez singled him home. Brennan King followed with a single, putting two on. Victor Rodriguez grounded into a double play to end the inning. Santos (2-1) earned the victory.
The Suns got baserunners each of the final four innings with fewer than two outs but failed to score in each against a total of five Rays pitchers. The last, Josh Parker, earned his second save pitching two shutout innings.
Before the loss, the Suns had beaten the Rays in nine of 10 meetings. The only Orlando victory was Chad Gaudin's perfect game Tuesday.
Abercrombie and King had two hits apiece to lead the Suns, who faced the Rays for the final time. The team will move to Montgomery, Ala., following the season and be renamed the Biscuits.
Right-hander Tommy Farmer (5-7, 3.53 ERA) is scheduled to face Carolina Mudcats righty Denny Bautista (3-0, 1.99) at 7:35 p.m. Friday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
Southern League Stories from July 17, 2003
- BayBears take series finale from Stars - Mobile BayBears
- Smokies Offense Comes To Life - Knoxville Smokies
- Rays Earn Split by Downing Suns 4-1 - Orlando Rays
- Rays down Suns, 4-1 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Future Huntsville Star Wins 2003 Golden Spikes Award - Huntsville Stars
- Stars Win Second Straight, 8-7 - Huntsville Stars
- BayBears drop back and forth game - Mobile BayBears
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