7/01/04 – Written by Denise Wampler, JMU Communications Intern

The Harrisonburg TURKS (14-8) won their sixth straight game of the 2004 season, as they defeated the Covington Lumberjacks (9-13) 8-6, on July 1, at Veterans Memorial Stadium, in Harrisonburg. The TURKS jumped to an early lead, scoring three in the first inning as they took advantage of a walk, error, and a hit by pitch, pitch, committed by the Lumberjacks. The Lumberjacks answered back however, scoring four in the top of the second. Their rally consisted of a single, followed by a two-run homer, by Lumberjack catcher, Brendan Katin; his first of the 2004 season. The Lumberjacks produced two more hits following the homerun, which allowed two more runs to score. The TURKS retaliated again in the bottom of the third, scoring two runs, as two batters were hit by pitches and another two were walked. DH, Matt Weglarz (Sophomore, SW Missouri State) and left fielder, Jeff Halbert (Junior, Rollins College) took advantage of the Lumberjack mistakes, each hitting a single to drive the two runs across the plate. The TURKS held the Lumberjacks scoreless from the third through the seventh inning. Mike Mlotokowski (Junior, Oklahoma City University) (3-1)started on the mound for the TURKS, going six complete innings, giving up four runs, on five hits, striking out three, and walking two. Freshman, Pat Caldwell (Yavapai Junior College), was called upon to relieve Mlotkowski, to start the seventh. Caldwell lasted 1 2/3 innings for the TURKS, allowing two runs, off three hits, striking out four, walking one, and hitting two Lumberjack batters, before being replaced by Scott Brune (Freshman, Iowa University), who went on to get the final out in the eigth and shut out the Lumberjacks in the ninth. Mlotokowski was credited with the win, his third of the season, while Brune picked up his fourth save of the year. The Lumberjacks threatened in the bottom of the eighth, scoring two runs; however, they weren’t enough to beat the leaders of the Southern Division. The TURKS posted nine hits on the night and were lead by DH,Weglarz who was 4-5, with four runs batted in, and left fielder, Halbert, who produced three singles in four at bats and collected an RBI. Centerfielder, Reggie Watson, added two hits to the TURKS win. With tonight’s win the TURKS improved to 14-8 on the year, while the Lumberjacks fell to 9-13. Tonight’s game was a Booster Night sponsored by Second Bank & Trust of 390 University Blvd. and Planters Bank of 375 N. Mason Street, Golden Corral Buffet & Grill of 2335 E. Market St., Hanks Smokehouse & Deli in McGaheysville, Dominio’s Pizza of 31 Miller Circle, 41 Burgess Rd., and 630 N. Main St., Layman, Diener & Borntrager Insurance Agency of 205 N. Liberty St., and Hugh Lantz of Wachovia Securities on 2011 Evelyn Byrd Ave. We want to thank all of these companies for their continued loyal support for TURKS baseball. We encourage you to patronize their businesses. The TURKS will travel to Winchester tomorrow to take on the leaders in the Northern Division, the Winchester Royals. The TURKS will return home Saturday, July 3, to host the Luray Wranglers. Game time for both games is 7:30 p.m. GO TURKS!