Fords Complete Game Helps Turks Prevail
Turks Take 2-1 Win Over River Bandits
Written By: Adam Cherry
Player/ Intern, LaSalle
Woodstock- It was a cloudy, warm night in Woodstock, Virginia as the Harrisonburg Turks were preparing to take on the Woodstock River Bandits. The Turks are coming off a sweep of the Covington Lumberjacks after two wins in yesterday’s double-header. The Turks were looking to make it three games in a row to propel the team higher in the league standings.
Left-hander Garrett Ford (Georgia State) took the mound for the Turks while the River Bandits sent out Greg Ostner.
Both offenses were held quiet on the night, but the Turks were able to come out on top. The Turks got their offense started in the first inning. Thomas Spitz (Wingate) reached first after a dropped third strike. The second hitter of the inning was Chris Barr (Miami) and he walked on four pitches. The two base runners moved up one base because of a balk from Ostner. This proved to be a crucial mistake for the River Bandits. Matt Rose (Georgia State) continued the Turks first inning rally by lining a base hit through the hole in between the shortstop and third basemen scoring Spitz from third. The Turks were able to steal a second run in the inning by Rose getting caught in a pickle in between first and second to allow Barr to score.
The Turks ran into problems in the first inning. After a dropped fly ball, a hit by pitch, and a single; Ford was able to pitch his way out by only giving up one run.
After the first inning, both teams could not push any more runs across the plate and the Turks got their third win in a row with a 2-1 decision over the River Bandits keeping them in third place with a 10-6 record.
A stellar pitching performance from Garret Ford propelled the Turks in a complete game effort. Ford gave up six hits, one unearned run, one walk, and seven strike outs on the night. Ostner pitched seven strong innings only giving up the two runs in the first inning. Fords complete game gave the Turks bullpen a much-needed day of rest.
The Turks continue their five game road trip tomorrow at Winchester with a 7:00 game start.