7/27/04 – Written by Denise Wampler, JMU Communications Intern

The Harrisonburg TURKS (27-14) picked up their 27th win of the season and clinched the Southern Division Championship after defeating the Woodstock River Bandits (19-23) 10-6, on July 27, at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium in Harrisonburg. The TURKS jumped to an early lead scoring six in the first off four hits. The big six-run inning started with lead-off batter, Kevin Koski (Freshman, SW Missouri) reaching first after being hit by the River Bandits starter, Kyle Dubois. Next batter, Reggie Watson (Junior, Indiana), reached first on a fielders choice, retiring Koski at second. First baseman, Joe Kemp (Junior, Indiana) followed with a single up the middle, advancing Watson to second. A double steal by Kemp and Watson, resulted in the first run of the inning, as Watson scored on a throwing error to third by the River Bandits starting catcher, Kelly Edmundson. Cleanup batter, C.J. Webb (Sophomore, Southern Illinois CC) reached first after also being hit by Dubois. Matt Weglarz (Sophomore, SW Missouri) answered, hitting a single through the right side, scoring Kemp and advancing Webb to third. Ryan Parker (Junior, Indiana) contributed an RBI double down the left field line, scoring Webb. Gered Mochizuki (Freshman, Yavapai JC)also added to the first inning excitement, hitting a three-run homer to center field, giving the TURKS the 6-0 advantage. The River Bandits, cut the deficit in the second, scoring two runs off three hits and another four runs off two hits and one TURK error in the fourth. The TURKS manufactured another big inning in the sixth, scoring four runs off two hits and a series of River Bandits walks, giving the TURKS the 10-6 advantage. The TURKS produced nine hits on the night and were lead by Reggie Watson who was 2-4 with three stolen bases. Joe Kemp, and Ryan Parker each added to the win, each contributing a 2-4 performance. Pat Caldwell (Freshman, Yavapai JC), made the start for the TURKS, going 4 2/3 innings, allowing six runs, off six hits, striking out 10, and walking four. Relief came from Nick Pereira (Junior, San Francisco) (2 1/3 innings), Jeff Claybrook (Sophomore, SW Missouri) (1 inning), and Scott Brune (Freshman, Iowa) (1 inning). Pereira was credited with the win and improved to 5-1 on the season. Your Southern Division Champs, the Harrisonburg TURKS, will continue to finish out the regular season as they travel to Staunton tomorrow to take on the Braves. The TURKS will return home on Thursday, July 29th to host the Waynesboro Generals. Game time for both games is set for 7:30 p.m. Come out and support your Harrisonburg TURKS! Go TURKS!