7/17/04 – Written by Denise Wampler, JMU Communications Intern

The Harrisonburg TURKS (22-12) played host to the Woodstock River Bandits (16-18), at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Harrisonburg, on July 17, where the TURKS posted a season high 20 hits, as they defeated the visiting team 18-4, in 8 1/2 innings of play. The TURKS were lead by first baseman, Joe Kemp (Junior, Indiana University), who was 4-6 on the night, and batted in four of the TURKS 18 runs. Kemp’s superb performance included a three-run homer in the bottom of the fifth; Kemp’s third of the 2004 season. In addition, eight other TURKS batters collected at least one hit on the night. Right fielder, Kevin Koski (3-5 with 3 RBI’s), (Freshman Southern Illinois), second baseman and newcomer, C.J. Webb (3-5 with 3 RBI’s)(Sophomore, Southern Illinois Community College), and third baseman, Ryan Parker (3-4 with 4 RBI’s) (Junior, Indiana), each contributed three hits to the TURKS hitting frenzy. The TURKS struck early, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first. The two runs came from a series of back to back hits (Webb, Kemp, Matt Weglarz (Sophomore, SW Missouri). The TURKS posted another five runs, this time off seven hits, in the bottom of the third. A seven-run fifth inning seemed to provide a huge blow to the visiting River Bandits and gave the TURKS the 14-3 lead heading into the final four innings of play. Both teams were held scoreless in the sixth and seventh innings; however, the TURKS manufactured four additional runs in the bottom of the eighth to give the TURKS the 18-3 advantage heading into the final inning of play. The River Bandits threatened adding a fourth run to the scoreboard in the top of the ninth, however the TURKS impressive hitting display had been too much. Defensively, Junior, Will Mann (1-1) (Sophomore, Florida Atlantic), provided a strong start for the TURKS, lasting seven complete innings, giving up three runs, off nine hits, striking out eight, and walking one. Relief came from Andrew Weber (Junior, Southern Illinois) (1 inning), and Adam Poole (Sophomore, Lincoln Trail) (1 inning). The TURKS, continue to lead the Southern Division and improved to 22-12 with tonight’s win, as the River Bandits were handed their 18th loss of the season and fell to 16-18. The TURKS will travel to Front Royal tomorrow to take on the Cardinals. Game time will be 6:00 p.m. The TURKS will return to Veteran’s Memorial Stadium, Wed., July 21, to host the Loudoun Rangers; game time 7:30 p.m. Come out and support your Harrisonburg TURKS! GO TURKS!