Suns Sweep DH From Rays
July 13, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Orlando Rays News Release
ORLANDO -Orlando's offensive struggles continued as Jacksonville limited the Rays to just three runs on the afternoon, taking both games of the doubleheader in front of 1,519 at Cracker Jack Stadium Saturday. The Suns escaped game one with an extra-innings 5-2 win, while three Suns pitchers combined on a two-hitter in the nightcap, winning 5-1.
Orlando dropped game one after squandering a golden opportunity in the bottom half of the seventh. With the score tied at 1-1 Rays' shortstop Frank Moore led off the final frame with a single, putting the potential winning run on first with no outs. Jonny Gomes' two-strike attempt to bunt Moore over rolled foul for the first out of the inning, and Amado German and Dan Grummitt bounced into consecutive fielder's choice putouts to end the threat.
The Suns took full advantage of Orlando's inability to plate the go-ahead run, erupting for four runs in the top of the 8th, taking a commanding 5-1 lead punctuated by Tony Socarras' solo home run to right field. In the bottom of the eighth Orlando threatened once again as B.J. Barns drove in Jesus Feliciano to narrow the score to 5-2. With runners on first and second, third baseman Juan Salas came to the plate as the tying run, but Salas bounced into a game-ending double play.
The only other scoring in the opener came courtesy of a pair of 5th-inning solo home runs, with Victor Diaz connecting for Jacksonville, and Gomes responding with his team-leading 14th home run of the season in the bottom half.
In the nightcap the Rays were limited to only two hits as Suns pitchers Will McCrotty, Ryan Minor and Lino Urdanéta gave up only a pair of singles, one in the first inning and another in the seventh. Victor Diaz put on another offensive showcase, launching a two-run homer in the opening frame and driving in two more in the fifth when he singled past the drawn-in infield. Diaz's homer was the second of the afternoon and 10th of the season.
Juan Salas and Dan Grummitt had Rays' lone hits in game two, with Salas driving in Orlando's only run in the first. The Rays dropped to 6-16 on the second half of the season and 38-53 overall. Orlando has now lost six straight and was swept at home for the first time this season.
The Rays and Suns continue their home-and-home series tomorrow in Jacksonville, with the teams squaring off at 7:05. Orlando will send RHP Chad Gaudin (NR) to the mound to face RHP Joel Hanrahan (9-3, 2.54). The 20-year-old Gaudin is making his Class AA debut after being promoted from Class A Bakersfield on July 11.
Southern League Stories from July 13, 2003
- Bats Come Alive In Smokies Win - Knoxville Smokies
- Suns sweep Rays in twinbill - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Suns Sweep DH From Rays - Orlando Rays
- G-Braves, Mudcats Washed Out - Mississippi Braves
- Stars Defeat Smokies, 4-3 - Huntsville Stars
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