Rays' Gaudin tosses perfect game
Published on July 16, 2003 under Southern League (SL1) News Release
JACKSONVILLE, FL - Orlando Rays' pitcher Chad Gaudin made Southern League history in game one of the Rays â Suns doubleheader Tuesday, tossing a 7-inning perfect game in his Class AA debut, leading Orlando to a 1-0 win over Jacksonville at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
Gaudin, making his first start at Class AA after a July 11 promotion from Class A Bakersfield, dazzled the Jacksonville hitters throughout the contest, striking out nine Suns' batters on the night. The New Orleans' native was promoted to Orlando after the Devil Rays placed RHP Matt White on the DL with shoulder stiffness. Gaudin was 5-3 with a 2.13 ERA in 14 games with the Blaze.
The perfect game was just the second in the Southern League's illustrious history. The only other Southern League perfect game came over 30 years ago when Charles Swanson of the Montgomery Rebels tossed a 9-inning perfect game against Savannah on August 14, 1970.
The 20-year-old Gaudin is the youngest O-Ray on the roster this season. In 2002 he went 4-6 with a 2.26 ERA in 26 games with Class (Low) A Charleston. He also picked up one save and struck out 106 in 119 innings pitched. The Devil Rays selected Gaudin in the 34th round of the 2001 June draft.
Southern League Stories from July 16, 2003
- Suns Down Rays 4-1 - Orlando Rays
- V-Rod's hit boosts Suns - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Stocks Wins Fourth Straight - Knoxville Smokies
- Smokies Headed To Prime Time - Knoxville Smokies
- Rays' Gaudin tosses perfect game - SL1
- Stars Offense Breaks Loose in 6-2 Win - Huntsville Stars
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