Rays Rally to Stop Jaxx
Published on June 29, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO-Pinch-hitter Dan DeMent lofted a sacrifice fly to score Juan Salas with the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth to lift the Orlando Rays to a 5-4 win over the visiting West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx in front of 1,411 at Cracker Jack Stadium Sunday.
Salas reached on an infield single and advanced to second when the throw from Jaxx shortstop Ryan Theriot sailed over the first basemen's head and into the stands, automatically giving Salas second base. After a pair of failed bunt attempts by Amado German, the Rays' centerfielder grounded out up the middle to Theriot, advancing Salas to third. DeMent then lifted a high fly ball into centerfield and Salas tagged from third, scoring easily when the throw tailed up the third base line.
Trailing 4-2 in the bottom of the eighth the Rays tied the game when Frank Moore laced a two-run triple into the gap in right-center, scoring Jonny Gomes and Jesus Feliciano, who had both reached on walks.
Joe Kennedy (ND) made the start for Orlando on a rehab stint from the parent Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The lefthander went 3.1 innings, allowing three runs - all earned - on six hits and one walk. He also struck out three before turning the game over to the Orlando bullpen in the fourth.
German went 2-4 with a double and one RBI, while Salas finished with a three-hit night and one run scored. With the win the Rays improved to 3-8 for the second half of the season, and the win also snapped the Rays' five game losing skid.
The O-Rays head to Chattanooga to take on the Lookouts in a four game series at BellSouth Park in Chattanooga, Tenn. RHP Scott Autrey (0-0, 4.50) will make his second start of the season for the Rays. Game time is 8:15 ET.
O-Rays Notes
· The O-Rays next home game is July 10 against the Jacksonville Suns. The team hits the road for a three game series with Chattanooga (Monday - Wednesday) and Carolina (Thursday- Sunday). Following the series with Carolina is the Southern League All-Star Break, Monday July 7 - Wednesday, July 9. Three O-Rays have been named to the East Division All-Star team: starting pitchers Jim Magrane and Jose Veras and reliever Bartolome Fortunato.
Southern League Stories from June 29, 2003
- Stars Fall to Barons, 6-3 - Huntsville Stars
- Carolina's Bautista blanks BayBears - Mobile BayBears
- Smokies Sweep G-Braves Again - Knoxville Smokies
- Rays Rally to Stop Jaxx - Orlando Rays
- Playoff Ticket Information - Huntsville Stars
- Stars Take Series Finale, 8-4 - Huntsville Stars
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