Rays, Mudcats Split Doubleheader
August 29, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO -Orlando's slim playoff hopes remained alive Saturday as the Rays split a doubleheader with the division-leading Carolina Mudcats, winning game one 5-2 but falling 6-3 in the nightcap in front of 5,820 at Cracker Jack Stadium.
John-Paul Davis put the Rays ahead for good in game one, driving a bases-clearing double to left-center field that scored three runs, pushing Orlando's lead to 5-2. Davis would drive in four runs in the opener on a 1-2 effort that included a sacrifice fly in the first inning. Fernando Cortez and Danny Massiatte registered two hits each, while Cortez also scored twice. Dewon Brazelton (W, 2-0) tossed 5 1/3 strong innings to pick up the win for the Rays, allowing a pair of unearned runs on two hits while striking out four.
The nightcap was all Carolina until the seventh inning, as the Mudcats jumped on Orlando starter Alex Santos (L, 3-2). Santos, making his first start of the season after 24 relief appearances, was tagged for five runs - all earned - on seven hits over three innings. Orlando mounted a furious rally in the seventh, pushing three runs across on the strength of three hits in the frame, highlighted by Dan DeMent's two-run double. With runners on first and third Orlando sent the tying run to the plate with just one out, but Carolina closer Mike Flannery (SV, 22) struck out the next two O-Rays to end the threat.
With the split Orlando's record moved to 31-32 on the second half and 63-69 overall, while Carolina is now 35-30, 77-56. The split leaves Orlando's 3.0 games back of the division-leading Mudcats.
The Rays and Mudcats continue the series with a single game tomorrow at 7:05. Orlando will send RHP Chris Flinn (1-2, 3.20) to the mound against Carolina lefty Todd Moser (5-4, 3.35).
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Southern League Stories from August 29, 2003
- Stars Lose Fifth Straight, 3-0 - Huntsville Stars
- BayBears fall in final series opener - Mobile BayBears
- Suns eliminated from playoffs with loss - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Rays, Mudcats Split Doubleheader - Orlando Rays
- Stocks Leads Smokies To Victory - Knoxville Smokies
- Scott Bikowski Named Southern League Hitter of the Week - Birmingham Barons
- Fan Appreciation Fireworks Friday - Chattanooga Lookouts
- SL Announces Major On-Field Awards - SL1
- Rays Win to Set Up Series Showdown with Mudcats - Orlando Rays
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