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

The Harrisonburg TURKS (17-10) produced another come from behind win, in the bottom of the tenth to beat the New Market Rebels (12-15) 3-2, on July 7, at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The TURKS seem to like pressure situations, as they rallied in the bottom of the ninth to score two runs, tying the game 2-2 and calling for a tenth inning of play. The TURKS were held scoreless through the first eight innings of play, manufacturing just five hits and leaving 11 TURKS runningers stranded on the base paths. The Rebels jumped to an early lead, scoring one in the third and another in the fifth. The TURKS on the other hand, waited until the ninth to break open the game, posting six hits in the final two innings to secure the win. The TURKS ninth inning rally started with left fielder, Jeff Halbert (Junior, Rollins College), singling to left. Halbert’s single was followed two batters later by a single Jeff Halbert (Junior, Rollins College), singling to left. It was the bat of centerfielder, Reggie Watson (Junior, Indiana), which advanced Halbert to third. Next batter, first baseman Joe Kemp (Junior, Indiana University), poked a single through the left side scoring Watson and advancing pinch runner, Ryan Parker (Junior, Indiana University) to second, tying the game at 2-2. The TURKS were flawless in the tenth, retiring the first three New Market batters that were faced. The home squad went on to score one run in the bottom of the tenth as shortstop, Gered Mochizuki (Freshman, Yavapai JC) drove in catcher, Matt Sluder(Sophomore, James Madison), who had singled earlier in the inning. Sophomore, Tim Gudex (Iowa), started for the TURKS, going six complete innings, giving up two runs, off four hits, striking out six, and walking seven. Junior, Andrew Weber (Junior, Southern Illinois), finished the game for the TURKS, going the final four innings, giving up no runs, off zero hits hits, striking out three, and walking none. Weber was credited with the win and improved to 2-2 on the year. Offensively, the TURKS produced 11 hits on the night and were lead by Mochizuki (2-4), right fielder, Ryan Gotcher (Freshman, SW Missouri State) (2-4), and third baseman, Corby Heckman Junior, Indiana) (2-5), who all contributed two hits. The TURKS improved to 17-10 on the year with last night’s win. The TURKS will travel to Covington tonight to take on the Lumberjacks. Game time 7:30 p.m. Next home game is Friday night, July 9th at 7:30 p.m. against the New Market Rebels. Come out and support your TURKS!