SL1 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Suns lose late lead

Published on July 31, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For the sixth consecutive game, the Suns lost a late lead or tie in a 5-4 loss to the Chattanooga Lookouts in front of 5,983 fans Thursday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Leading 4-3 entering the eighth, reliever Greg Bauer gave up an RBI single to Dane Sardinha, tying the game, 4-4. In the ninth, reliever Orlando Rodriguez, the Suns' first lefty out of the bullpen since April, gave up three consecutive hits to start the inning. Rodriguez (0-1) was relieved by Brian Steffek, who struck out back-to-back batters with the bases loaded in the eighth.

The loss spoiled another quality start for Joel Hanrahan, who missed his fourth consecutive opportunity at his 10th victory. He allowed three runs over six innings and struck out a career-high 11 batters. The Suns (49-59 overall, 18-21 second half) struck out 17 Lookouts, a season-best for the pitching staff.

Trailing 3-1 in the fifth, the Suns bombarded Lookouts starter Daylan Childress with three runs on four hits. Victor Rodriguez snapped a 3-for-38 slump with an RBI double down the left field line. Shane Victorino tied the game on a groundout and Jason Repko doubled home Tony Socarras to return the Suns' lead. Victor Rodriguez had two hits to lead the Suns.

Childress earned a no-decision in his fourth Southern League start. He allowed four runs over seven innings. Reliever Brett Gray (4-3) retired the Suns in order in the eighth to earn the victory. Former Suns right-hander Kris Keller picked up his fourth save by pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning for the Lookouts (49-60, 17-22).

Right-hander Edwin Jackson (5-6, 3.46 ERA) is scheduled to face Lookouts lefty John Koronka (7-10, 3.90) at 7:05 p.m. Friday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

SUNS SPOTS: LHP Orlando Rodriguez pitched for the first time since Aug. 5, 2002, after recovering from season-ending left elbow surgery. The run he allowed was the first since Aug. 31, 2001. ...The Suns' six-game losing streak is only its second-longest this season. The team lost eight in a row from May 3-11. The Suns have lost nine of its last 10 games. ...RHP Ryan Minor was released before the game Thursday. Orlando Rodriguez replaced him on the roster. ...The Suns' bullpen has allowed 26 earned runs in 26 innings over the last 11 games, nine of which have been losses. Eight of those losses were by relievers. This does not include four blown saves.

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Southern League Stories from July 31, 2003


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