Rays Snap Slide as Bats Break Out in Jacksonville
June 22, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
Mobile, Ala. â Jim Magrane carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning and the Orlando bats snapped out of their weekend funk as the Rays opened the four-game series with the Jacksonville Suns in grand fashion, winning 6-3 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville Sunday.
With the Orlando pitching staff considerably taxed after back-to-back doubleheaders Friday and Saturday, the Rays needed a solid outing from Magrane (7-3). They got just that, as entering the sixth inning the Suns had managed only a walk off Magrane before Gookie Dawkins broke up both the no-hitter and shutout with his second home run of the year. Magrane recovered in time to pick up his team leading 7th win, allowing three runs â all earned â on two hits over seven innings.
Bartolome Fortunato and Evan Rust combined to toss a pair of scoreless innings in relief, allowing only one hit and one walk over the final two frames while striking out three. Rust earned his 11th save after pitching a scoreless ninth, helping the Rays snap a three-game losing streak.
Orlando's offense improved dramatically Sunday as the team pounded out 14 hits in the win, just one day after the team only managed 12 hits over both games of Saturday's doubleheader. Danny Massiatte led the Rays attack, going 2-4 with a double and two RBI for the Rays, while B.J. Barnes went 2-3 with two walks, two runs scored and one RBI in just his third game with Orlando.
The Rays and Suns continue their four-game series tomorrow at 7:05, with RHP Scott Autrey making his Double-A debut for Orlando after being promoted from Class A Charleston on Friday. Jacksonville counters with RHP Edwin Jackson (3-5, 2.91). The Rays return home for a three-game set with West Tennessee that starts Friday at 7:05 at Cracker Jack Stadium.
Southern League Stories from June 22, 2003
- BayBears stay hot in series opener - Mobile BayBears
- Rays Snap Slide as Bats Break Out in Jacksonville - Orlando Rays
- Rays quiet Suns' bats in 6-3 loss - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Smokies Stifle G-Braves - Mississippi Braves
- Smokies Shutout G-Braves, Improve to 4-1 in second half - Knoxville Smokies
- Stars Drop Finale in Greenville - Huntsville Stars
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
