Rays, Smokies Split Twin Bill
July 29, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO -Orlando rallied to beat Tennessee 7-6 in game one of the doubleheader but fell 2-0 in the nightcap in front of 1,649 at Cracker Jack Stadium Tuesday.
Game one saw the Rays mount a furious rally in their final at-bat, scoring five times on six hits in the final frame to erase a 6-2 deficit. Trailing 2-0 courtesy of a second-inning homer by Orlando first baseman Dan Grummitt, the Smokies roared back to take the lead in the 4th inning, taking full advantage of their six hits and two Orlando errors in the inning, scoring six times off Rays' starter Jim Magrane.
Facing a 6-2 deficit in their final at-bat, the Rays strung together four consecutive hits, including a two-run wind-aided single by Frank Moore that scored Dan DeMent with the tying run and pinch runner Fernando Cortez with the winning run.
Jonny Gomes went 3-4 with a double and run scored in the opener, while Moore finished 2-4 with two RBI. Grummitt also chipped in a 2-2 effort with a homer and run scored and three RBI for the Rays, who pushed their winning streak to a season-high five games with the win. It was also their fifth straight home win, also a season-high.
Orlando would muster only two hits in the nightcap, as Tennessee starter Jeremy Cook made a strong debut for the Smokies. Cook (1-0) held Orlando scoreless through four innings, allowing two hits and striking out two.
With the split, Orlando improved to 16-21 on the second half and 48-58 overall, while Tennessee slipped to 23-14, 59-48. Orlando has now won nine of their last 12 games, including winning five of a possible seven games on this home stand.
The Rays and Smokies both head to Kodak, TN for another four-game series starting Thursday at 7:15. Orlando will send RHP Jose Veras (5-8, 3.66) to the mound to face Julio Villalon (4-2) for the Smokies. The Rays are kicking off a 12-game road trip and return to Cracker Jack Stadium Tuesday, August 12 for a four-game series with the Smokies. Orlando will play 17 games at home over the final three weeks of the regular season.
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Southern League Stories from July 29, 2003
- Rays, Smokies Split Twin Bill - Orlando Rays
- Suns swept in Carolina - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Smokies Split Double Dip - Knoxville Smokies
- Hart's Slam Caps Stars' Comeback Win - Huntsville Stars
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