Suns Earn Split, Drop Rays 6-4
Published on June 12, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO -Jacksonville's bats came alive for the second straight night as the Suns rallied from a pair of Orlando leads to drop the Rays for the second straight night, winning 6-4 in front of 1,569 at Cracker Jack Stadium Thursday.
Orlando scored first with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the first inning, with Juan Salas plating two runs on his first-inning single. Frank Moore scored on the hit and right fielder Reggie Abercrombie's throw to third was wide of the bag and went out of play, allowing Grummitt to score on the error.
Starting pitcher Matt White cruised through the first three innings, allowing four singles while striking out five. Jacksonville finally broke through in the fourth, scoring three runs on two hits surrendered by White. Suns catcher Tony Sacarras struck the big blow, blasting a two-run homer to right field that gave Jacksonville a 3-2 lead. The Rays were on the verge of blowing the game wide open in the fifth but couldn't come up with the big hit to put the game out of reach. Orlando managed to plate two runs in fifth but left the bases loaded, stranding three.
Jacksonville wasted no time in reclaiming the lead, with Victor Diaz driving a bases-loaded double down the line in right, scoring two runs and giving the Suns a 5-4 lead. Doug Waechter made his first career relief appearance and slammed the door shut, striking out Tarrik Brock with runners on second and third. Jacksonville would add an insurance run in the seventh as Nick Alvarez hit a solo home run off Waechter to put the game away for the Suns, who improved to 29-36 with the win.
Salas and Dan DeMent each had two hits for the Rays, who dropped to 29-36 on the year. Matt White (0-2) took the loss after allowing five runs - all earned - on 10 hits in 5.2 innings pitched. He also struck out 6 in the loss.
Orlando heads to Mobile for a four-game series to close out the first half of the Southern League season. Orlando will send RHP Jose Veras to the mound tomorrow to face Mobile BayBears RHP Duncan McAdoo (2-2, 3.27). Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Rays Notes
- Orlando's next home game is Wednesday, June 18 at 7:05 as the Rays take on the Birmingham Barons at Cracker Jack Stadium
Southern League Stories from June 12, 2003
- Stewart stellar again as BayBears win - Mobile BayBears
- Smokies swept by G-Braves - Knoxville Smokies
- Don't Forget Hot Biscuits for Dad on Father's Day - Montgomery Biscuits
- Suns Earn Split, Drop Rays 6-4 - Orlando Rays
- Clutch hitting backs Suns in 6-4 win - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
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