Shorthanded Rays Rally Past Mudcats

Published on May 9, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release


ORLANDO -A crowd of 7,023 packed into Cracker Jack Stadium for a ballgame and the post-game fireworks show, but the Orlando hitters beat the pyrotechnics crew to the punch by exploding for a pair of runs with two out in the bottom of the ninth, dropping the Carolina Mudcats 5-4.

Despite pounding out 10 hits through the first eight innings, the Rays found themselves down 4-3 entering the ninth. With the Rays down to their final out, Jorge Cantu sparked the Orlando rally by drawing a walk, which was promptly followed by Frank Moore's third hit of the night, putting runners on first and second. Catcher Graig Merritt hit a single to right that scored Cantu with the tying run, and shortstop Jace Brewer played the hero by driving in Moore with a single to left.

OF Matt Diaz earned player of the game honors after a 3-5 performance that included his first home run of the season, a double and two runs and two RBI. Amado German went 1-5 with a runs cored, extending his hitting streak to 14 games. John Benedetti (1-1) earned the win in relief, allowing two hits while striking out three in 2.0 innings of work.

With the win, Orlando improved to 13-22 on the season. The Rays have now won six of their last eight games, including taking 3 of 4 games from the division-leading Mudcats. Orlando now travels to Jacksonville for a four-game series with the Suns starting tomorrow at 7:05. RHP Jim Magrane (2-2, 4.54) will take the mound for the Rays against LHP Eric Sults.

O-Rays Notes:

· RP John Rocker's quest to return to the big leagues ended Friday, as both Rocker and infielder Felix Escalona were both promoted to the parent Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The 28-year-old lefty pitched 4.0 innings while in Orlando, allowing four hits, one walk and hit one batter while striking out one. Escalona, who is on Tampa's 40-man roster, was hitting .244 with one homerun and eight RBI in 22 games with Orlando. No additional moves have been made yet to fill the spots opened by their departure, leaving the Rays with 21 active players on their roster for tonight's game, including only 10 position players.

· Following the four-game series with Jacksonville the Rays return home for a four-game set with the Mobile BayBears May 15-18. Orlando follows that with a four-game series in Carolina, and then returns to Cracker Jack Stadium for an 11-game homestand starting May 23.

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Southern League Stories from May 9, 2003


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