Turks Home Runs Power A Win
By: Adam Cherry Player/Intern LaSalle
The rain had cleared as the Harrisonburg Turks were ready to take on the Winchester Royals. The Turks drove back to Winchester today to complete a rained out game. Tonight, there was no rain and the forecast and the Turks were ready! After winning a few home games in extra innings, the Turks continue to lead the league with 23 wins. Manager Bob Wease sent right-hander Boone Mokry(UTSA) to the bump to continue the hot Turks. The Winchester Royals sent Brian Fortier to the mound.
The Turks got on the board early as Thomas Spitz (Wingate) crushed a 400 foot home run down the left field line that bounced on the softball field beyond the fence in the top of the first inning. After a one out walk to Daniel Nichols (Georgia), Matt Rose destroyed a fastball that cleared the 386 sign in center field.
After a lead off walk in the bottom of the first, Alex Matta deposited a home run over the left field fence to cut the Turks lead to one.
The Royals went to their bull- pen to start the second inning and brought in Connor Staskey. The Turks scored two runs in the fourth inning off the Royals reliever. Thomas Smith (Georgia Tech) hit a one out single to start the Turks rally. He was brought home by the third home run of the night for the Turks from Daniel Nichols. The Turks continued to lead the game with a score of 5-2.
The Royals struck right back with a solo home run from Jerry Downs in the bottom of the fourth. The next hitter, Michael Landestoy launched a one hopper off the right field wall for a triple. Cody Bower came to bat and knocked him home by hitting a ball to the Turks shortstop trading the out for a run. After four innings, the Turks still led 5-4.
The Royals dug into their bullpen again in the seventh inning and brought out Darrell Thompson. Mokry was retired after his six innings of work. Coach Wease brought in Brett Morgan from Wingate. The next pitcher for the Royals was William Pozo. Pozo ran into trouble fast after walking Steven McLean on four pitches. McLean was able to advance to second on a past ball. Thomas Smith them roped a single to center field to score McLean from second. Smith was able to advance to second on the throw to home plate. The Turks now led 6-4.
Going into the bottom of the ninth, the Turks decided to bring in Logan Onda to get the save. Onda took down the Royals order in a 1,2,3 fashion to secure the Turks win!