Rays Squander Early Lead in Loss
July 11, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO -Orlando blew leads of 5-0 and 6-5 as the Jacksonville Suns rallied past the Rays for an 8-7 win in front of 4,395 at Cracker Jack Stadium Friday.
The Rays threatened to blow the game wide open early, scoring twice in the opening frame and adding three more runs in the third inning to jump to a 5-0 lead after three innings. Jacksonville jumped all over Orlando pitching in the 5th inning, pounding out five runs on six hits as the Suns chased Orlando starter Jim Magrane from the contest with back-to-back homers by Victor Diaz and Derek Michaelis.
Orlando answered Jacksonville's five-run fifth by pushing across a run in the sixth, reclaiming the lead at 6-5. That advantage would be short-lived, as Jacksonville's offense again erupted in the seventh with three runs, highlighted by Victor Rodriguez's two-run double.
Orlando put the tying and winning runs on base in the ninth but failed to connect, as Frank Moore grounded out to first and Jonny Gomes fanned with runners on second and third, ending the threat. Gomes finished the night 2-4 with one RBI and two runs scored, and Juan Salas went 3-4 with a RBI and run scored for the Rays, who dropped their fourth straight game, falling to 6-13 on the second half.
Orlando and Jacksonville will continue their four-game series tomorrow at 7:05 p.m., with LHP Jon Switzer (6-8, 4.04) starting for the Rays, while the Suns counter with RHP Tommy Farmer (5-7, 3.65).
Rays Notes
- Saturday's game will feature the Orlando Rays spectacular post-game fireworks show. Game time is 7:05.
Southern League Stories from July 11, 2003
- G-Braves Edge Mudcats - Mississippi Braves
- BayBears lose late to Barons - Mobile BayBears
- Smokies Take One Of Two From Stars - Knoxville Smokies
- Suns edge Rays, 8-7 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Rays Squander Early Lead in Loss - Orlando Rays
- Maldonado, Totten Capture Honors - SL1
- G-Braves Receive Scouting Award - Mississippi Braves
- Barons Lose in Ninth, 8-6 - Birmingham Barons
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.
