Written by Bennett Colin
Broadcasting Intern
The Turks (1-4) fell 6-4 on Wednesday night as the Waynesboro Generals (2-2) used a three-run fourth inning to set the tone and pull away down the stretch.
After three shutout innings on the hill, Harrisonburg’s Rhett Willis allowed three runs in the fourth and a home run from Parker Phillips in the fifth that put the Turks behind early. The Turks trailed 4-0 after four frames, but used two runs in the sixth and one in the seventh to cut the deficit to one at 4-3.
Despite the rally, the Generals struck twice in the seventh to get create breathing room with a 6-3 advantage. The Turks added a run and threatened to knot things up in the ninth, but Tim Holloway closed the door on the Turks’ rally.
Once again, Ty Andrus led the Turks at the plate as he reached base four times. The Wingate centerfielder tallied three singles and a walk, while scoring three of the Turks’ four runs. Andrus’ batting average has soared to .500 through the first five games of the season.
Austin Embler, batting second in his first game this summer, reached base twice. Embler singled and walked on the night and showed aggressive base running throughout the game, while scoring the other run for Harrisonburg.
Chase Smartt ripped a double a night after blasting the Turks’ lone home run of the season. In total, six players recorded hits, including Zach Zuchmaner. Zuchmaner got his first action of the season after arriving from UNC Greensboro, which was competing in the NCAA tournament before being eliminated.
On the mound, Willis threw five innings and allowed four runs, while fanning six Generals. Cade Bullinger, who’s played left field for most of the early season, threw the final three innings and allowed two runs, while striking out one.
Starting 1-4 isn’t the start the Turks wanted, but with a few more impact players coming into town and 37 games left in the season, they have plenty left to play for. The Turks will look to start a winning streak on Thursday night when they return home to start a three-game home stand. The Turks will take on Purcellville at 7:30 p.m.
If you’re unable to make any of the three-game home stand, go to Harrisonburgturks.com and click on “Listen Live” to hear the games. Dave Norman and Bennett Conlin will be on the call.