Written by Shelton Moss
Turks Web Broadcaster
June 27, 2021

Logan McClure pitched six innings of shoutout ball, while the Harrisonburg Turks used clever baserunning and timely hits early en route to a 2-0 victory over Covington on Saturday evening at Casey Field. It was the fifth straight victory for Harrisonburg, who improved to 9-6 on the year and inched closer to first place in the Valley League South Division.

The story of the game was the pitching staff, spearheaded by the starter McClure, who tossed six innings and yielded only three hits and no walks while striking out six Lumberjack hitters. In doing so, he earned his first win of the season and lowered his season ERA to 1.13.

The Turks got the scoring started early, as Clay Lockett drew a walk in the first inning, advancing to second on a passed ball and then stealing third base. With runners at the corners and two outs, Jordan Sweeney drifted off first base, drawing a throw from Covington catcher Jason Roberts. Lockett then sprinted home, beating the return throw and sliding under Roberts’ tag to score the first run of the game.

The bats stayed hot in the second inning, as newly-added catcher Logan McNeely led off the road half of the frame with a double to center field. On the very next pitch, Peyton Crispin laced a single to right field, scoring McNeely and giving the visitors a 2-0 advantage.

That proved to be the only runs of the game for the Turks, though it was all they needed, as the pitching was masterful. Derek Crum came on in relief of McClure in the seventh inning, striking out seven and walking one while allowing no hits to earn a nine-out save. As a staff, Harrisonburg struck out 13 Lumberjack hitters, tying their season-high set against Staunton on Wednesday. Covington was held to three hits all night, none of which went for extra bases.

Though no Turk recorded multiple hits, every starter in the lineup reached base safely at least once. Harrisonburg drew nine walks, the most in any game this year.

This was also the season debut for infielder Michael Dansky, who joins the Turks alongside fellow Wingate Bulldogs McNeely and Mac Callari fresh off an NCAA Division II national championship.

The Turks return home on Sunday afternoon and take on the Purcellville Cannons in a split doubleheader. First pitch is set for 5:30 p.m. at Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park.