By Jen Kulju
Turks Staff Writer
HARRISONBURG –
The Harrisonburg Turks scored eight runs in the fourth inning to lead them to a 9-2 win over the Charlottesville Tom Sox on Saturday, snapping a six-game losing streak. Turks starting pitcher Alex Rodriguez (Wingate) had a solid outing, allowing only one run on five hits with four strikeouts in five innings pitched.
The Turks batted all the way around in the fourth and began with a leadoff single by Brett Whelton (McNeese State). Luke Nussman (Shenandoah) then laid down a sacrifice bunt and reached first on a throwing error by starting pitcher Hunter McMullen. Paul Castillo (Jacksonville) followed with a single, scoring Whelton. Andrew Liewellyn (Wingate) put down a sacrifice bunt and reached first on an error by first baseman Brett Centracchio. Castillo scored on a wild pitch to Austin Embler (UNC Greensboro), who tripled to right center, scoring Liewellyn and Cam Irvine (Virginia Tech), who had reached first on a fielder’s choice play earlier in the inning. Zach Little (Wingate) singled up the middle, scoring Embler. Orynn Veillon (University of New Orleans) then tripled to left center, scoring Little. Veillon scored on a Whelton single to left. Whelton advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on a double down the line in right by Nussman.
The Turks also scored a run in the third when Kyle Johnson (Rider) lined the ball to left for a single. Johnson advanced to third on a single by Little and scored on a double steal.
Little led the Turks with three hits. Embler had two RBI. Rodriguez got the win, improving his record to 2-1 on the season. McMullen got the loss.
Alex Mardiney had two hits for the Tom Sox, which contributed to one run in the fifth and sixth innings, respectively.
The Turks are now 14-15, one game shy of .500. Embler, Little, Kyle Arjona (University of New Orleans) and Rafe Schindler (University of New Orleans) will play in the Valley Baseball League All-Star Game at Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday at 7:30 pm. The Turks’ next game is in Waynesboro on Tuesday at 7 pm. They are back at home next Sunday (June 15) to take on New Market at 7:30 pm.