Two Stephen’s Are Better Than One

07/08/2010 – Turks Tidbits

By Todd Jones James Madison University Intern Front Royal, VA After a few needed days off for rest, rehab, and perhaps some fireworks in between- the Turks traveled to Front Royal on Wednesday night to face the Cardinals. On a night that’s only cool breeze came on the drive home, Harrisonburg dug in for what would be a much needed win. The score was all bagels until the bottom of the 2nd when the Cardinals scored first after a base hit that took a bad bounce over 1B Patrick Savage (Auburn) and allowed the runner at third base to score. In the 3rd inning Scott Dalrymple (Okl. City) looked like a Hollywood stunt double as he made a spectacular diving grab that elicited some oohs and aahs from the Front Royal faithful.

Onto the top of the 4th inning when the Turks’ bats turned into roman candles sending balls flying all over the diamond. After Savage was walked, Dalrymple hit a base hit over the 2B bag, and Shaun Cooper ( Ariz. ) followed up with a double off the netting above the outfield wall allowing Savage to get home. After tying the score, catcher Brett Armour (Young Harris) knocked a double that bounced into the left field wall, which brought home Dalrymple and Cooper and gave the Turks the 3-1 lead. Two pop outs later and with Terrance Jackson (Okl. City) at the plate, an errant pitch in the dirt got past the catcher and Armour was able to sneak into home providing the Turks a 4-1 cushion.

The Cardinals were able to bring themselves within two runs in the bottom of the 4th when a runner made it home as the Turks were preoccupied with making a double play (which they completed). After pitching a solid 7 2/3 innings and helping to hold the Cardinals to two runs, Stephen Kohlschenn (Auburn) was relieved by the Turks’ other Stephen, Stephen Styck (St. Josephs). Styck helped to steady the Turks to victory as the score remained 4-2 until the top of the 9th. In the 9th two pop outs led off the inning for the Turks but pinch hitter Austin Erb ( Ashland ) had the keen eye and was the first to get on base after he was walked. Joshua Band (Rollins) came in to pinch run for Erb and after 2B Joe Huber (St. Joseph’s) bounced one off of the right center field wall, Band greased his wheels and skidded into home, providing Harrisonburg with the 5-2 advantage. Styck would remain steady in the bottom of the ninth and Turks emerged from Front Royal victorious. Harrisonburg next faces the Covington Lumberjacks at JMU Veterans Memorial Stadium tonight, July 8th at 730.