Suns sweep Rays in twinbill
July 13, 2003 - Southern League (SL1)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. â Victor Diaz drove in five runs and homered in both games as the Suns completed a four-game sweep of the Orlando Rays winning, 5-2, and, 5-1, in a doubleheader Sunday in front of 1,519 fans at Cracker Jack Stadium.
Diaz hit the second of two home runs, a two-run shot to right field in the first inning of the nightcap to give the Suns a 2-0 lead. Nick Alvarez followed later with a single which scored Derek Michaelis after he reached on a wild pitch and stole second base.
The Rays scratched a run in the first inning off Suns starter Will McCrotty, who was recalled from Class A-Advanced Vero Beach before the game to spot start. Juan Salas' RBI single was the only hit for Orlando (38-53 overall, 6-16 second half) until the seventh inning.
Diaz hit a two-run single in the fifth to boost the Suns' lead to 5-1. But McCrotty walked the bases loaded in the bottom of the inning only to be bailed out by reliever Ryan Minor who threw one pitch: an inning-ending double play rolled into by Jesus Feliciano. Minor (1-1) earned the victory, pitching 1-2/3 perfect innings.
Rays starter Jose Veras (4-8) allowed five runs â all earned â in 4-1/3 innings to earn the loss.
The Suns (44-47, 13-9) have won five in a row and seven of their last eight games.
In the first game, a four-run eighth inning propelled the Suns to a 5-2 victory over the Rays in an extra inning game.
Diaz blasted a two-run home run halfway up the scoreboard in left center field in the fourth inning to snap a scoreless tie. However, Rays designated hitter Jonny Gomes hit his 14th home run off Suns starter Tommy Farmer in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game.
Brennan King broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run single off Rays reliever Derek Andersen (0-1). Tony Socarras followed, smashing a two-run home run to right field off Alex Santos to extend the Suns' lead to 5-1.
Farmer allowed one run in six innings but earned a no-decision. Brian Steffek (1-0) earned the victory in relief. He was pulled in the eighth inning after allowing a run and bringing the tying run to the plate. Closer Jason Frasor induced a game-ending double play by cleanup batter Juan Salas to earn his seventh save.
Right-hander Joel Hanrahan (9-3, 2.64 ERA) is schedule to face Rays righty Chad Gaudin in Gaudin's first Class AA start at 7:05 p.m. Monday at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
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
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
