6/21/04 – Written by Denise Wampler, JMU Communications Intern

TURKS fans seemed to file out of Veterans Memorial Stadium in the top of the seventh, after the Royals of Winchester scored three runs to put the Royals up 5-1, certain that the TURKS were going to be handed their seventh loss of the season. The TURKS however, had different plans, as they went on to score five runs in the final three innings. Harrisonburg TURKS, first baseman, Joe Kemp, went 1-5 tonight against the Winchester Royals, but it was a huge one hit. The two run homer came in the bottom of the ninth with the TURKS trailing 5-4. The inning started with third baseman, Corby Heckman (1-4) (Junior, Indiana University), reaching first on an infield error. Kemp, the next batter, lit up the TURKS dugout, as the players crowded home plate to congratulate the junior from Indiana University on his game inning homer over the right field fence. The Royals jumped out to an early lead, scoring two runs in the second inning, off one hit and two errors by the TURKS defense. The TURKS remained scoreless until the sixth inning, scoring one in the sixth, one in the seventh, two in the eighth, and the game winning two runs in the ninth. The TURKS offensively, posted just eight hits and were for the third straight game, lead by DH, Matt Weglarz (Sophomore, SW Missouri State), who was 2-3. Defensively, Mike Mlotkowski (Junior, Oklahoma City University), made his second start of the season, going six complete innings, giving up four runs, on four hits, striking out seven, and walking six. Pat Caldwell (Freshman, Yavapai Junior College), relieved Mlotkowski in the seventh, going two complete innings for the TURKS. Andrew Weber (Junior, SW Missouri State) was called upon to start the ninth inning and was credited with the win. Weber improved to 1-2 on the season. The TURKS improved to 8-6 overall, as the Royals fell to 7-7. The TURKS will travel to Covington tomorrow, June 21, to take on the Covington Lumberjacks; game time 7:30 p.m. The TURKS will be back at home, Friday, June 25, against the New Market Rebels, for a "Health and Fitness Booster Night". Bring the coupon from the Daily News Record on Friday and be admitted free as the guest of our sponsors for the night; Nautilus Fitness Center, Healthy Inspirations, Advantage Physical Therapy, Atwell Family Chiropractic, and Downtown Athletics. Come and check out their exhibits before the game. ALSO, Friday night is "Meet the TURKS Autograph Night". Bring the insert from the Daily New Record’s Thursday paper and get the TURKS to autograph their pictures. Autograph session is 6:15-6:45. Bring your cameras for a photo opportunity! Game time is 7:30 p.m.