7/17/05 – Staunton News Leader

Harrisonburg Earns 10-1 Win By Al Samuels Sports Writer HARRISONBURG — The Staunton Braves played like a team that had not been on the field for a week due to weather, falling 10-1 to the Harrisonburg Turks in Valley Baseball League play Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Turks took advantage of a Brave mental mistake and six hits during the first two innings off Staunton starter Manny Miguelez for a 5-0 lead, and Harrisonburg never looked back. Harrisonburg right-hander Eric Fussell of St. Joseph’s allowed only two hits during his seven-inning stint to pick up the win. He gave up one run, while striking out eight and walking none. Leadoff batter Tony Thomas of Florida State continued to be a thorn in the Braves’ side with a 3-for-5 night. He had two doubles, one RBI, a stolen base and scored three times to pace the Turks’ offense. "We can’t blame the layoff for some of the decisions we made out there defensively," Staunton manager Lawrence Nesselrodt said. "Those plays let them get on top early, and it is hard to catch up when you fall behind 5-0. Their kid threw a great game. He was throwing two pitches for strikes, and did a good job of keeping us off balance." The Braves got their lone run during the fourth. Nick Massari reached on a two-base error with two outs and came around to score when Andy Bennett beat out an infield single to break up Fussell’s no-hitter. The Turks put the game away with a four-run, four-hit sixth off two Braves’ relievers that gave the home team a 9-1 lead. Staunton falls into a virtual tie for second place with the Turks in the South Division with a 17-15 record. The Braves are back to Moxie Stadium tonight for a visit from North Division-leading Luray. Miguelez, Svitak (2), Thorne (4), Wells (6), Bedrosian (8) and Bieneman, Engelhardt (8). Fussell, Ochs (8), Wheeler (9) and Martinez. W — Fussell. L — Miguelez. HR — none.