7/29/04 – Written by Denise Wampler, JMU Communications Intern

Will Mann (Sophomore, Florida Atlantic) had an impressive showing as the Harrisonburg TURKS struck out the visiting Generals from Waynesboro on July 29, at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Harrisonburg, 5-0, in 8 1/2 innings of play. It was a quick 1:59 game, as the sophomore went eight complete innings for the TURKS, allowing zero runs, off just two hits, striking out 13, and walking two. Mann improved to 2-2 on the season with the win. Relief came from teammate, Andrew Weber (Junior, Southern Illinois), who went the final inning of play, allowing no runs, off zero hits, striking out one, and walking one, allowing the TURKS to collect a shutout on the night. The TURKS produced eight hits on the night compared to the Generals two. The TURKS hits were equally distributed, as each hit came from a different TURK batter. The TURKS again jumped to an early lead, scoring four in the first off four TURK hits and three General errors. Kevin Koski (Freshman, Southern Illinois) led off the inning, reaching first on an infield error. Following the bobble from the Generals starting pitcher, Koski advanced to second on an attempted throw to first. Next batter, Reggie Watson (Junior, Indiana), grounded into a fielders choice retiring Watson at first and advancing Koski to third. First baseman, Joe Kemp (Junior,Indiana), followed with a single to left, which snuck by the left fielder, allowing Koski to score and Kemp to advance to second. Catcher, Matt Weglarz (Sophomore, SW Missouri State), followed two batters later, with a single, advancing Kemp to third. DH, Ryan Parker (Junior, Indiana), collected an RBI in the next at bat, singling to left, advancing Weglarz to third and scoring Kemp from third to give the TURKS the 2-0 advantage. Shortstop, Gered Mochizuki (Freshman, Yavapai JC), was able to reach first on an infielder error, which enabled Weglarz to score from third and advanced Parker up to third base. The final run came from an RBI single off the bat of second baseman, Joe Yeager (Sophomore, Florida Atlantic), who singled to score Parker from third. The Generals were able to escape the inning without further damage, but the home team was on the board. Both teams remained scoreless through the next five innings, before the TURKS added another run in the seventh off two hits and a Generals error. The Generals committed five errors on the night compared to the TURKS one. The TURKS improved to 29-14 with tonights win, as the Generals fell to 15-27. The TURKS will travel tomorrow night to Waynesboro for a makeup rained out game against the Generals. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. The playoffs will begin on Saturday at Veterans Memorial Stadium where the TURKS will host the number four seed in the Southern Division, the Covington Lumberjacks (18-25) in the best 2-3 series. The TURKS enjoy home field advantage so they will host on Saturday night and on Monday night if necessary. We remind everyone that no passes will be honored during the playoff games. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for senior citizens, and $1.00 for students under 12. Come out and support the Southern Division Champions, your very own, Harrisonburg TURKS! GO TURKS!