Suns pound Rays, 15-2
Published on May 12, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. â- The Suns snapped an eight-game losing streak with their biggest offensive output in more than three years with a 15-2 victory over the Orlando Rays on Monday in front of 2,851 fans at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
The Suns (17-20) avoided their longest losing streak in more than 15 years. The 15 runs Monday equaled their total run production over the previous eight games and was the most runs scored by Jacksonville since May 5, 2000, in a 17-6 victory vs. Carolina. The victory was the most lopsided for the Suns since a 14-0 victory at Mobile on Sept. 3, 1999.
"It was a good day for us," Suns manager Dino Ebel said. "These guys came out and were very aggressive at the plate. They came out in a big way getting all these hits and scoring all these runs. I felt they made good adjustments at the plate. If we continue to do this, we can be the team we think we're capable of being.
The Suns scored four times in the third inning of Orlando starter Jon Switzer (3-3), who earned the loss. Jacksonville smacked five singles in the inning. But the Rays (15-22) scored twice in the fourth inning off Suns starter Tommy Farmer to cut the lead to 4-2. Farmer (2-2) earned the victory, allowing two runs and six hits over seven innings. Steve Langone pitched two scoreless innings to close the game.
Farmer received a boost of run support in the fifth when the Suns scored six times off Switzer and reliever Brian O'Connor. The inning was highlighted by Tarrik Brock's three-run home run that bounced off the right field catwalk and out of the stadium. It was Brock's sixth home run of the season. He had been in a 2-for-27 slump prior to the game.
Brock wasn't the only Sun to snap a hitting funk. David Detienne, hitless in his last 20 at bats, went 3-for-4 with two RBI. Tony Socarras, who was hitting .152, had three hits and three RBI â both season highs. Brennan King, a .200 hitter, also had three hits and three RBI. Victor Diaz led the Suns with four hits â all singles â and four runs scored.
Each Suns starter scored at least one run.
Right-hander Heath Totten (3-3, 3.92 ERA) is scheduled to face Rays righty Brian Stokes (1-4, 2.68) at 1:05 p.m. Tuesday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. The game will broadcast solely on the Internet at www.jaxsuns.com.
Southern League Stories from May 12, 2003
- Parrott Pitches Smokies Past Stars - Huntsville Stars
- Parrott Leads Smokies Past Stars - Knoxville Smokies
- Barons Split with West Tenn, 4-2 and 1-7 - Birmingham Barons
- LaRoche named top Old Navy Slugger for April - Mississippi Braves
- Suns pound Rays, 15-2 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- BayBears routed by Carolina again - Mobile BayBears
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