Valley All Stars fall to Cal Ripken All Stars 6-3

07/11/2011 – Turks Tidbits

Written by Nathaniel Stoltz James Madison University Harrisonburg – The Cal Ripken All-Stars defeated the Valley League All-Stars 6-3 in the Cal Ripken League/Valley League All-Star game at Veterans Memorial Park Monday night. The VBL squad was outhit 10-3.

All six Harrisonburg players on the Valley League All-Star roster got plenty of playing time in the ballgame.

Turks stars Sam Dove, Dodson McPherson, and Mac Williamson started the game in the second, third, and fourth spots in the order, playing second base, designated hitter, and right field respectively.

Earlier in the day, McPherson and Williamson competed in the Valley League/Cal Ripken League Home Run Derby, a contest ultimately won by Strasburg Express first baseman Brad Zebadis. McPherson provided a highlight in the derby by launching a long homer to right field in spite of winds blowing in.

Williamson singled and stole a base in the game, and Dove had an RBI groundout in the contest.

Turks pitcher Eric Meyerchick came on in relief of the contest and worked a 1-2-3 inning, ending the frame emphatically with a strikeout. Another Turks pitcher, Aaron Luchterhand, threw a scoreless fifth inning. Finally, Turks closer Pat Christensen allowed two hits and a run in the ninth.

Winchester pitcher Greg Welsh was the Most Valuable Player of the Valley League All-Stars, with 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief. Catcher Andrew Parker was the MVP of the Cal Ripken All-Stars, thanks to a game-breaking two-run single.