6/02/2007 – Turks Tidbits

TURKS BEAT NEW MARKET Written by Jessica Merrill James Madison University Sports Management Intern Harrisonburg, Va., June 02, 2007 –After erasing an early deficit of 0-5 yesterday due to thunderstorms that blanketed most of the area the Turks got back on track tonight claiming an 8-4 victory over the New Market Rebels during their first home game of the season. The Turks getting off to an already better start than last season’s 0-6 beginning record, also have the majority of their roster present compared to last season’s thirteen. Among the twenty-some players that currently make up the Turks is pitcher Ashur Tolliver, Arkansas-Little Rock, who earned his first win of the season tonight going six complete innings giving up just 7 hits and striking out 7. Ty Pryor, University of North Florida, came in to relieve Tolliver in the top of the seventh and was awarded the save after finishing three complete innings of work; striking out three and giving up one hit and a run in the top of the ninth. The first inning began with a leadoff single up the middle by the Rebels’ center fielder Kevin Dietrich, UNC-Pembroke. Designated hitter Nick Stanley provided another single this time down the left field line advancing Dietrich to second. First baseman Britt Westman followed with a double to left-center scoring both Dietrich and Stanley to put the Rebels on the board first for the night. The Turks answered quickly to the Rebels two-run first inning with a leadoff single from center fielder Patrick Norris, Oklahoma City University, followed by a single from B.J. Wheeler, Clarendon College, advancing Norris to third. Norris would score during a double play groundout by shortstop Bobby Spain,Oklahoma City University. New Market quickly answered back in the top of the second with a single into right field by second baseman Eric Kallstrom, Central Florida. Kallstrom would advance to second on a baulk by Tolliver and would score on another single by Dietrich. After an inning of quiet three-up, three-down play the Turks broke through with their power and speed with five runs in the bottom of the third. Norris quickly began the rally with a single and stole second soon afterward. Wheeler answered with another single scoring Norris. Spain singled as well advancing to second on the throw, with Wheeler ahead at third. David Dennis, Oklahoma City University, would then contribute his power at the plate with a double to right center scoring both Spain and Wheeler. Third baseman Brett Stewart, Appalachian State, would also contribute to the cause with a single up the middle advancing Dennis to third. Catcher Andrew Franco, Appalachian State, would then come to the plate and Stewart would steal second after the first pitch. Franco would ground out to second but advance Stewart and score Dennis. Right fielder Jon Moore reached first base on a throwing error by the third baseman that would score Stewart as well. After a couple of one-run scattered innings and a slight scare in the top of the ninth Pryor had the last word of the night when he struck out Stanley to seal the deal for the Turks. The Turks will hit the road tomorrow to face off against the Cardinals of Front Royal.