Written by Dave Norman
Broadcasting Announcer

Front Royal, VA – Pitching, defense and timely hitting can win many a baseball game. The Turks drove home old adage in winning 2-0 at Front Royal on Friday night.

Matt Young (Oklahoma City) started on the hill for Harrisonburg and fired five shutout innings. The right-hander was in control from the outset, allowing just three hits and striking out eight. Jarred Taylor (New Orleans) relieved Young and continued the solid effort with three shutout innings on just three hits while fanning another five Cardinals. Lefty Zac Devermann (Illinois) closed things out in the ninth, allowing just one base runner, to complete the shutout. On the night Turks hurlers combine for 13 strikeouts and allowed just six singles.

The offense was just enough for the Turks with Bryan Arias (UT-San Antonio) continuing his resurgence with three hits, including a double and a walk. Austin Embler (UNC-Greensboro) had two hits and a walk in the leadoff spot. Zach Kuchmaner (UNC-Greenboro) knocked an RBI single in the fourth to score Arias and break open the pitchers dual. Nick DiPonzio (Wake Forest) walked to force in the 2nd run in the sixth. The Turks continue to work the count well and drew eight walks to go along with eight hits.

Young (2-1) set the tone in a game that depleted pitching staff rules the night. The defense was very solid as well recording a critical errorless night in support of the great pitching to secure the win.

Nickolas Ortega, now 0-2 (Lipscomb) took the tough-luck loss for Front Royal (15-16). The Cardinals remain at home to host the Purcellville Cannons tonight at 7:00.

The Turks (15-17) travel to Waynesboro for an important Southern Division game against the Generals. Game time is 7:00. If you are unable to attend, go to HarrisonburgTurks.com and click on “Listen Live” to hear all the action.