Turks Battle but Fall to the Cannons

Kaelyn Spickler
Turks Staff Writer

Harrisonburg, VA- With last night’s game being a potential post-season maker for the winner, the Purcellville Cannons and the Turks came out wanting to add a win to their record. The score was tied up on multiple occasions, but the Turks were unable to respond in the eighth and ninth inning, so the Cannons took home the 4-3 win.

After a slow first two innings for both teams, the Turks were ready to get on the scoreboard in the bottom of the third inning. Right fielder Austin Lynch starts off the inning with a walk, and second baseman McCann Mellett hits a double, but Lynch will get out trying to stretch to home. Shortstop Nick Zona hits a single but we see a similar play to the one before with Mellett getting out at home. Zona advances to second off a wild pitch to first baseman Josh Madole and scores off Madole’s single. The Turks are in the lead 1-0 with one runner left on.

The Cannons answer back with a run scored off a single in the top of the fourth, and the score remains tied at 1-1 until the Cannons increase their lead in the top of the fifth to 3-1.

The seventh inning stretch is what the Turks needed to get back in the game. Catcher Caston Peter comes out with a double to start the inning. Immanuel Wilder pinch-hits for Lynch and knocks out a single to bring in Peter. Mellett comes up to hit a single followed by Zona stepping up to the plate, now with two baserunners. Zona will provide with a single to bring in Wilder, but Mellett and Zona will be left on base. Going into the final two innings, the score is tied up, 3-3.

The Cannons take back the lead in the top of the eighth, scoring off a wild pitch, and will keep the lead for the remainder of the game.

The Turks battled hard offensively, as well as defensively with a solid performance by both pitchers. Will Brian of Eastern Kentucky started for the Turks and struck out five batters in his 4.2 innings. Alex Hoppe of UNC Greensboro finished out the game for the Turks and struck out 10 batters finishing with an ERA of 1.82.

The Turks travel to Charlottesville tonight to face the Tom Sox and will be back at home next week to wrap up their season.

Wednesday, July 24th is Food Lion Pack the Park Night. Be sure to cut the sponsor coupon out of Tuesday, July 23rd’s Daily News Record Sports Section. Thursday, July 25th is Luray Caverns Night. The first 100 fans receives a free ticket to the Luray Caverns. Be sure to come out two these last two home games and support your Harrisonburg Turks. If you haven’t already, plan on getting your Turks gear for upcoming birthdays and even Christmas!