Written by Shelton Moss
Turks Web Broadcaster
June 30, 2021

In a game that featured 18 runs and 21 hits, the Harrisonburg Turks fell in a shootout to the Charlottesville Tom Sox 11-7 on Wednesday evening at Willie T. Barnett Field in Charlottesville.

Michael Rosario was a bright spot for Harrisonburg, as the left fielder from Miami went a perfect 5-for-5 with three doubles and two runs scored. In doing so, he increased his batting average to .352 on the season.

The Turks’ bats woke up in the third inning when, trailing 2-0, Conor Hartigan laced a double into left field, driving in two runs. After an RBI groundout by Jordan Sweeney, Hartigan came around to score on a wild pitch to give the visitors a 4-2 lead. However, the Tom Sox responded with six runs in the bottom of the frame, giving them a lead they would not relinquish.

Cameron Barto spearheaded the comeback efforts in the sixth inning with an RBI double to right that plated Derek Crum. It was Barto’s first RBI of the season, as he later came around to score on an error by the second baseman on the ensuing at-bat.

In the ninth, Travis Reifsnider grounded out to first base, scoring Rosario in what ultimately proved to be the final run of the game.

The Turks’ pitching staff was hit hard, surrendering a season-high in runs and hits. Wingate product Mac Callari was a bright spot on the mound, as the right-hander tossed two scoreless innings of relief for a weary pitching staff, allowing just one hit and walking none.

Hartigan also contributed on the offensive end, going 1-for-4 with two RBI, a walk, and a run.

Harrisonburg has a much-needed off-day on Thursday and will look to regroup Friday as they take on the Covington Lumberjacks for the third time this year. First pitch is set for 7:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park.