Rays, Smokies Split Twin Bill
August 1, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
Kodak, Tenn.â Orlando pitchers limited Tennessee to just two hits in the opener but could manage only four of their own in the nightcap, splitting a doubleheader with the Smokies Friday at Smokies Park.
Game 1 â Orlando 1, Tennessee 0
Orlando starting pitcher Jose Veras (6-8) earned the win in the opener after holding the Tennessee offense to just two hits in his first complete-game win of the year. The big right-hander struck out five and didn't issue a single walk in winning his second straight start. Jesus Feliciano went 3-4 while Danny Massiatte chipped in a 2-3 effort with a double for the Rays. John-Paul Davis went 1-3 with a RBI, driving in Juan Salas for the only run of the opening game.
Game 2 â Tennessee 2, Orlando 1
Tennessee used three consecutive two-out singles in their final at-bat, breaking a 1-1 tie and downing the Rays 2-1 in the nightcap. Orlando closer Josh Parker (0-3) took the loss after Smokies first baseman Scott Krause singled to drive in left fielder Papo Bolivar with the winning run. The loss dropped the Rays record in the nightcap game of doubleheaders to 2-6 on the year.
Shawn Riggans drove in B.J. Barns with the Rays' only run with a RBI double in the 5th inning. Joey Gathright and Fernando Cortez had the other hits for Orlando, with the speedy Gathright picking up his first stolen base at the AA level.
The split left Orlando's season record at 49-59, with their second-half record standing at 17-21. The Rays and Smokies continue the four-game series tomorrow at 7:15, with Orlando sending righty Jason Cromer (NR) to the mound against Nick Stocks (8-6, 4.65).
O-Rays Notes: Friday was a busy day for Tampa's player development department, as the team made eight roster moves that involved Orlando. The Rays added four new players while losing four off their roster, including sending young pitching sensation Chad Gaudin and standout lefty Jon Switzer to Tampa. Gaudin made his MLB debut Friday night against the Kansas City Royals, allowing one run on four hits over 2 1/3 innings. Among the new faces joining the Orlando roster is B.J. Upton, Tampa's 2002 first round (second overall) draft pick. The 18-year-old shortstop from Norfolk, Virginia was hitting .302 in 101 games with Class A Charleston.
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Southern League Stories from August 1, 2003
- Rays, Smokies Split Twin Bill - Orlando Rays
- Faison leads BayBears past West Tenn - Mobile BayBears
- Smokies Split Double Header - Knoxville Smokies
- Suns' bullpen maintains lead in 2-1 win - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Corey Hart Named S.L. Hitter of the Week - Huntsville Stars
- Hart, Thompson Garner SL Honors - SL1
- Bravo leads BayBears past Diamond Jaxx - Mobile BayBears
- Stars Take Two from Barons, 5-1 and 2-1 - Huntsville Stars
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