7/28/04 – Daily News Record

By MIKE BARBER Daily News-Record STAUNTON – Their eyes are set on home-field advantage, but the way the Harrisonburg Turks are playing, they might not need it. Shortstop Gered Mochizuki went 4-for-4 with two runs and hit a three-run triple as Harrisonburg beat Staunton 9-4 Wednesday in front of 1,300 hostile fans at John Moxie Stadium. "Mochizuki’s one heck of a player," Turks manager Bob Wease said. "He does everything out there." He did Wednesday. With Harrisonburg already up 5-3 and the bases loaded, Mochizuki (Yavapai Community College) drilled a two-strike curveball into deep right field, clearing the bases and putting the game out of reach. The Braves did little to help their own cause, committing four errors. Harrisonburg (28-14) has won five out of six games against Staunton this year – and Mochizuki has been the big man in most of those games. He also went 2-for-4 with two runs and three RBIs in the Turks’ 16-6 home win over the Braves on June 27. For the season, Mochizuki is now 9-for-20 with six runs and nine RBIs against Staunton (23-19). "You’ve got to come out the same every game, whether it’s the last game or the first game," Mochizuki said. "If you have the same approach every game, you’ll be successful." Staunton was without its manager for its home finale. Lawrence Nesslerodt became the second VBL manager suspended for making contact with an umpire this year. Nesslerodt received a one-game suspension. Luray’s Mike Bocock was suspended for two games earlier this season. Nesselrodt clad in white shorts and green golf shirt with a floral print, spoke to the Braves after the loss. Assistant coach Lance Mauck managed the team Wednesday. "We beat ourselves early," Mauck said. "We couldn’t get out of that funk."