Rays Pound Smokies to Take Series
August 15, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO -Amado German and Jonny Gomes had three hits apiece to pace Orlando's attack, leading the Rays to an 11-4 win over the Tennessee Smokies in front of 5,404 at Cracker Jack Stadium Friday.
German started the scoring in the bottom of the first when he launched a solo home run to right field off Tennessee starter Josh Axelson (L, 2-2). The blast was German's fourth homer of the year and gave Orlando an early 1-0 lead. The Rays would push another run across in the second on a B.J. Barns RBI single, giving Orlando a 2-0 lead. Tennessee cut into the Rays' lead in the third with a RBI single by Yadier Molina, but the 2-1 deficit was as close as the Smokies would get all night.
Orlando blew the game open in the fourth, scoring four times on five hits and taking advantage of two Tennessee errors in the frame. The big blow came when Fernando Cortez singled to left with runners on first and second, and the ball eluded Tennessee leftfielder Dan Moylan for a two-base error, allowing John-Paul Davis to score from second and catcher Danny Massiatte to score all the way from first.
The Rays would add some insurance in the sixth, with five O-Rays crossing the plate on five hits in the inning. Gomes provided the big hit of the frame, lacing a two-run triple to centerfield that pushed the score to 9-2.
Orlando's 16-hit offense featured every O-Ray having at least one hit by the fourth inning and every hitter scoring at least once or driving in at least one run on the night. German finished the night 3-5 with a homer, two runs scored and three RBI, while Gomes went 3-5 with a triple, one run scored and two RBI.
With the win, Orlando won the four-game series three games to one, improving to 23-28 on the second half and 55-65 overall. With the loss Tennessee fell to 30-23, 65-58. Orlando's home stand continues tomorrow at 7:05 as the Rays play host to the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx. Orlando will send right-handed reliever Chris Flinn (0-1, 3.86) to the mound in a spot start, while the West Tennessee counters with RHP Jae-kuk Ryu (1-3, 5.72).
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Southern League Stories from August 15, 2003
- Rays Pound Smokies to Take Series - Orlando Rays
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