Written by Bennett Conlin
Broadcasting Intern

New Market, VA – 

The Harrisonburg Turks (5-10) used a costly error from the New Market Rebels (8-7) to escape with a 3-2 victory in 10 innings. Right-handed pitcher Davis Kirkpatrick did his best impression of the June 9 version of himself as he fired 4 ⅔ shutout innings in relief to pick up the victory. Kirkpatrick threw eight shutout innings of relief to earn the win in the Turks’ 4-3 victory over the Charlottesville TomSox on June 9.

Pitching was the story of the night as Rhett Willis led the charge for the Turks by throwing 5 innings and allowing just two runs, one of which was unearned. Jacob Ramos relieved Willis and retired just one batter before yielding to Kirkpatrick who threw a gem out of the bullpen. With his atypical sidearm delivery Kirkpatrick struck out three Rebels, while allowing just three hits.

While the pitching stole the show, Harrisonburg recorded 10 hits on the night, including two from Tevin Mitchell, Tony Beam and Andrew Llewellyn. Mitchell scored two of the Turks’ three runs, including the game-winning run in the top of the tenth as Ty Andrus’ grounder to second forced an error.

Although Andrus would’ve loved to get a base hit to plate Mitchell, winning on an error seems like poetic justice for a Harrisonburg squad that has been destroyed by self-inflicted mistakes in the field. The Turks have made an error in all 12 games since June 5 and have committed 27 over that stretch.

Despite the subpar fielding, the Turks have made just one error in each of the last three games and used the four Rebels errors tonight to their advantage.

The Turks hope to clean up the fielding woes and build a winning streak when they return home Wednesday night for a clash with the Woodstock River Bandits.  It’s the fan favorite … June is Dairy Month Night. Free admission with coupon from Tuesday’s DNR. First pitch is slated for 7:30 p.m.

If you can’t make it to the ballpark, head to Harrisonburgturks.com and click on “Listen Live” to hear the live webcast. Dave Norman and Bennett Conlin will be on the call.