Turks Create Momentum Towards Playoffs

07/28/2008 – Turks Tidbits

Written By Andy May, Broadcasting Intern Bridgewater College Harrisonburg- The Harrisonburg Turks are able to hold off the Covington Lumberjacks in a lengthy regular season finale winning 10-7. The game was the final home regular season game for the Harrisonburg Turks at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Turks’ bats came alive in the first inning as Mark Brooks (Bethune-Cookman) hit a lead off double that put the Turks in business. Brooks was knocked around by Drew Johnson (San Francisco) as Johnson hit an RBI single. Brooks finished the night going 2 for 3 with two runs scored while Johnson was 2 for 3 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Harrisonburg continued to score early as Brett Stewart (Appalachian State) knocked Chris Murphy (Southern Illinois) in to build a 2-0 lead. Stewart was 1 for 4 with an RBI and Murphy was one of six Turks to get at least two hits going 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run. Michael Precise (Troy) and B.J. Wheeler (Oklahoma City) also had two hits, both players were 2 for 5 with Precise scoring a run and getting a RBI. The Turks tried to close the door in the fourth inning with Drew Johnson hitting double to plate two runs. First baseman Zach Castleberry (Yavapai) hit a single, but came around to score as the Lumberjacks committed two throwing errors. Castleberry was 3 for 4 with a run and a RBI. In the sixth inning the Lumberjacks showed that they were not going down without a fight as Evan Noell (Coastal Carolina) hit a single to knock Rico Noel and Lamar Guy (Florida International) home. Noell was 1 for 3 with two RBIs. The Lumberjacks continued their comeback in the ninth inning as pinch hitter Andrew Longley (South Florida) hit a two-run homer to bring Covington within three, but the Turks pitching staff was able to hold them off for the win. Jim Kennedy (Rider) recorded the win for the Turks. Kennedy pitched five innings, striking out six, and allowing one run. The Harrisonburg Turks (19-25) will play the loser of the Luray-Waynesboro game tomorrow in the first round of the playoffs. The Wranglers and Generals are fighting for the top seed in the playoffs with the Turks playing the second seed. The Covington Lumberjacks (23-21) will travel to Fauquier to take on the Gators (27-16).