Written by Bennett Conlin
Broadcasting Intern

Staunton, VA – In a season filled with early deficits, the Turks flipped the script and struck first in their 3-1 victory     over the Staunton Braves. Despite a brief rally by the Braves, the Turks gave the ball to right-hander Davis Kirkpatrick, and the rest was history.

 

Much like they did in their season opener, the Turks used two, first-inning extra base hits to plate a runagainst the Braves. Austin Embler ripped a double and Brendan Venter smacked one of his own to score Embler and put the Turks up early.

Both teams put up goose eggs until the bottom of the sixth when Braves centerfielder Max Wood hit a liner to right that hit the top of the wall and bounced into the trees for a solo home run. This was the first run of the game allowed by Grant Stewart, a recent arrival for the Turks.

Kirkpatrick took over from there and was his typical dominating self. The East Carolina product fired four innings, struck out four, and allowed just one hit. He earned the victory as well.

Immediately following the Braves’ rally in the sixth, the Turks scored two in the top half of the seventh to regain the lead. Centerfielder Ty Andrus smoked one through the right side of the infield as Tevin Mitchell, who walked to lead off the inning, raced around and beat the throw to home. Andrus eventually scored on a sac fly from Embler to give Harrisonburg a commanding 3-1 lead.

Strong pitching from Kirkpatrick closed the door on any potential Staunton rallies. The game gives both teams identical 10-14 records.

Up next, the Turks host Winchester Sunday night at 7:30. If you can’t make it out 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.