06/02/2008 – Turks Tidbits
Written by Andy May, Broadcasting Intern Bridgewater College Harrisonburg- A first inning home run by catcher Mike Pericht (St. Joseph’s) started the Turk’s scoring and they never looked back beating the New Market Rebels 6-3 to earn their first victory of the season. Despite having only having 15 players, the Turks leaned on the right arm of Greg Bartleski (University of the South) as he pitched 8 solid innings striking out 2 batters and allowing 3 runs. Bartleski’s performance gave the Turk’s coaches a sigh of relief. The Turk’s pitching staff is very thin due to injuries to Tim Wheeler (Troy University) and Jon Vallen (Potomac State) yesterday at Waynesboro and late-arriving players due to college playoffs. Pericht’s home run put the Turks up 3-1 after the first inning and the power surge continued as right fielder Mike Precise (Troy University) belted a solo home run to push the lead to 4-1. Leadoff hitter Chris Murphy (Southern Illinois) went 2-4 with two singles and 2 stolen bases to help the Turks offense scratch across several late-inning runs. First baseman Pat Luehring (St. Joseph’s) banged a clutch two-out RBI single to help the cause. Freshman lefty Austin Sloan (Yavapai College) worked a scoreless ninth for his first save. New Market right-hander Steve Owens (Richmond) struck out 4 while allowing 4 runs and took the loss. Rebels first baseman Murray Watts (Arkansas State) led New Market going 3-4 with 3 singles. The Turks (1-2) continue the home stand at Veterans Memorial Stadium tomorrow night facing the Covington Lumberjacks (2-0) at 7:30 while New Market (1-2) hosts Winchester (1-1).