6/29/04 – Written by Denise Wampler, JMU Communications Intern

The Harrisonburg TURKS (12-8), coming off back-to-back wins, traveled to Woodstock to take on the River Bandits (11-9), where they posted 15 hits, to pound Woodstock 10-1, in nine complete innings of play. Pat Caldwell (Freshman, Yavapai Junior College), went the distance for the TURKS, going seven complete innings, allowing zero runs, on just four hits, striking out nine, and walking none. Caldwell sought relief from Tyler Norrick (Sophomore, Southern Illinois) in the eighth, and Andrew Weber (Junior, Southern Illinois)in the ninth, who helped secure the win for the TURKS, improving Harrisonburg’s overall record to 12-8. The River Bandits fell to 11-9 on the season. The TURKS pitching staff collected an impressive 14 strike outs on the night and only allowed five River Bandit hits. Offensively, the TURKS were fueled by first baseman, Joe Kemp (Junior, Indiana University), who went 4-5, with three RBI’s, and was just a homerun shy of hitting for the cycle; hitting a single, two doubles, and a triple. Other standout TURKS were second baseman, Corby Heckman (Junior, Indiana University), who posted a 3-5 performance, with three RBI’s and catcher, Matt Sluder (2-5) (Sophomore, James Madison University), and right fielder, Ryand Gotcher (2-4) (Freshman, SW Missouri State), who both added two hits to the TURKS hitting frenzy. The TURKS held the River Bandits scoreless through eight complete innings, giving up just one run in the bottom of the ninth. With tonight’s win the TURKS move back into first place in the Southern Division. The TURKS will travel to Waynesboro to take on the Generals tomorrow, June 30, and will return home to Veterans Memorial Stadium on July 1, playing host to the Covington Lumberjacks. Game time for both games, 7:30 p.m. GO TURKS!