6/19/04 – Written by Denise Wampler, JMU Communications Intern
The Harrisonburg TURKS (7-5) bounced back after a four game loosing streak to beat the Covington Lumberjacks (4-5) 7-3, on Saturday, June 19, at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Harrisonburg. The Lumberjacks jumped out to an early lead, scattering five hits and scoring three runs in the first two innings. The TURKS answered back scoring a run in the first and another in the bottom of the third, to put the TURKS within one. The TURKS remained scoreless for the next four innings, and it appeared that perhaps the TURKS would suffer their fifth consecutive loss. The TURKS answered back, scoring five runs in the bottom of the eighth, to put the TURKS ahead 7-3 going into the ninth inning. The rally began when lead-off hitter, Kevin Koski (1-3)(Freshman, Southern Illinois) reached first on an error. Two batters later, Corby Heckman (Junior, Indiana University) added a second potential run for the TURKS, by reaching first on a walk. First baseman, Joe Kemp (Junior, Indiana University), who finished the game going 3-5, singled up the middle, scoring Koski and tying the game at 3-3. The TURKS didn’t stop here, as the next three batters, DH, Matt Weglarz (Sophomore, SW Missouri State), second baseman, Cameron Clarke (1-3) (Junior, Oklahoma City University), and shortstop, Gered Mochizuki (1-3) (Freshman, Yavapai Junior College) singled. The three singles produced four runs for the TURKS, and gave the TURKS a cushion to start the ninth. The TURKS scattered 10 hits and were lead by Weglarz, who went 3-4 with two RBI’s. Defensively, the TURKS were flawless, committing zero errors, and turning two double plays. Tyler Norrick (1-0) (Sophomore, Southern Illinois), started the game for the TURKS, going six complete innings, giving up three runs, on six hits, striking out four, and walking five. Freshman, Pat Caldwell (Freshman, Yavapai Junior College), replaced Norrick, going two complete innings, giving up zero runs, on two hits, striking out one, and walking one. Caldwell was credited with the win and improved his record to 1-1. Scott Brune (Freshman, Iowa University) went the final inning for the TURKS, retiring the first three batters he faced, securing the 7-3 win for the TURKS, and keeping the TURKS as the leaders in the Southern Division. The TURKS next game will be Sunday, June 20 in Front Royal against the Cardinals of Front Royal at 6:00 p.m. Next week the TURKS will be back at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Monday, June 21, against the Winchester Royals. And again on Friday, June 25 against New Market. Friday night’s game will be "Health and Fitness Booster Night", sponsored by Nautilus Fitness Center, Healthy Inspirations, Advantage Physical Theraphy, Atwell Family Chiropractic, and Downtown Athletics. Bring their sponsor coupon from the Daily News Record and get into the game free as their guest.