SL1 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Suns edge Rays, 8-7

Published on July 11, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release


LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The Suns overcame an early five-run deficit to beat the Orlando Rays, 8-7, on Friday in front of 4,395 fans at Cracker Jack Stadium.

For the first time this season, the Suns surmounted a five-run deficit after the Rays darted to a 5-0 lead through four innings. Jacksonville scored five runs in the fifth off Orlando starter Jim Magrane. Magrane had beaten the Suns in each of his four starts against them this season.

Following Reggie Abercrombie's sacrifice fly, Victor Diaz hit a two-out, two-run home run, bringing the Suns (42-47 overall, 11-9 second half) to within 5-3. The next batter Derek Michaelis homered and later in the inning, Nick Alvarez singled in Brennan King to tie the game.

Former Sun Jesus Feliciano singled off reliever Greg Bauer to score Jonny Gomes in the bottom of the sixth to put the Rays back in front, 6-5. Bauer (4-3) earned the win when the Suns responded with three runs in the top of the seventh off Rays reliever John Benedetti. King's RBI single tied the game and, later, Victor Rodriguez doubled home two runs with the bases loaded to give Jacksonville an 8-6 advantage. Benedetti (3-5) earned the loss.

Dan Grummitt singled home Gomes in the eighth to bring the Rays (38-51, 6-14) within a run, but Suns closer Jason Frasor pitched the ninth to earn his sixth save in six opportunities. Frasor stranded runners at second and third when he struck out Gomes on a 3-2 pitch to end the game. Gomes broke his bat over his thigh in disgust.

Suns starter Edwin Jackson allowed five runs – three earned – in three innings. He was limited to 50 pitches because he will appear in the All-Star Futures Game at 5:30 p.m. Sunday on ESPN2.

Michaelis had four hits to lead the Suns.

Right-hander Tommy Farmer (5-7, 3.65 ERA) is scheduled to face Rays lefty Jon Switzer (6-8, 4.04) at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Cracker Jack Stadium.

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Southern League Stories from July 11, 2003


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