Rays Pound Mudcats 9-0
July 24, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO -Orlando's offense exploded for seven runs in the first inning en route to a 9-0 win over the Carolina Mudcats at Cracker Jack Stadium Thursday.
With one out in the bottom of the first, Orlando second baseman Frank Moore got the offense going with a double to right-center. Jonny Gomes followed with a single to left, putting runners on first and third, and Juan Salas drove Moore in with an RBI single to right. B.J. Barns drew a walk to load the bases, and Rays' newcomer John-Paul Davis was hit by a pitch to force Gomes in with the second run of the inning. Dan Grummitt followed with a two-run single, extending Orlando's lead to 4-0 with only one out and runners on first and second. Shortstop Heath Kelly would put the exclamation point on the inning, launching a three-run homer to left that would score Grummitt and Davis, pushing the Rays' lead to 7-0.
Orlando would add a pair of runs in the second, with Salas hitting a sacrifice fly to score Moore, and Barns doubling in Gomes. The Rays offense slowed after that, posting only one hit over the next six innings, but Orlando had all the runs it would need.
Staked to a big lead early, Orlando starter Jose Veras (5-8) didn't allow Carolina to get back into the game. Veras went seven strong innings, scattering five hits and two walks while striking out six. The big right-hander didn't allow a runner past first until Drew Niles and Josh Wilson would each single in the fourth to put runners on first and second. Niles was the only Carolina batter to reach second base all night for the Mudcats. Dan Guillory tossed two innings of perfect relief for the Rays, who improved to 13-20 on the second half and 45-57 overall. With the loss, Carolina fell to 16-16 on the second half and 57-43 on the year.
The Rays and Mudcats close out the four-game series tomorrow at 7:05, with Orlando sending RHP Scott Autrey (1-2, 3.56) to the mound against RHP Randy Messenger (4-6, 5.76). Tomorrow's game will feature an appearance by super fan "Krazy George", creator of the world-famous crowd "Wave", practiced at stadiums and ballparks all over the world.
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