6/04/05 – Written by Michael Janney, JMU Intern

Harrisonburg, Va., June 4, 2005 –Freshman starting pitcher Shawn Benson (Yavapai Jr. College) had a strong outing en route to his first win of the season, Benson yielded only one run off of four hits in six innings of work, while striking-out four to help lead the Harrisonburg Turks to a 5-3 victory in their home opener against the visiting Winchester Royals. The Turks jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the first two innings after a couple of hits and a pair of Winchester miscues. Junior outfielder Matt Bristow (James Madison) went 3-for-4 with two doubles, and one RBI to pace the Turks. Bensons’ college teammate, sophomore reliever Chris Fessler (Yavapai Jr. College) worked the ninth, while earning his first save of the summer. Winchester’s Randy Buffington (Virginia Tech) suffered the lost for the Royals, while only pitching two complete innings and allowing five runs. Although, Winchester did receive quality innings from their bullpen, throwing the final seven innings and allowing two hits while surrendering no runs, and striking out eight batters in the joint effort. Harrisonburg will travel to New Market Sunday night to face the Rebels with a 7:30 start. The Turks will be off on Monday, and return to Memorial Stadium on Tuesday to play host to the Haymarket Battle Cats.