The Turks offense propelled them to an 11-4 win over the Culpeper Cavaliers on Sunday thanks to nine runs in the third inning. The win brings the Turks to 10-8 and is the second consecutive victory following a four-game losing streak.

The Cavaliers motored ahead early, scoring three runs in the second inning via RBI singles from left fielder Jackson Rusiecki and center fielder Gabe Larry. A solo home run from shortstop Connor Maryniak in the third inning put the Turks in an early 4-0 hole. 

“We’ve been down a couple of times like that, and we just don’t give up,” Turks center fielder Jacob Green said. “The beginning of the season started out rough, but we’re starting to gel together and face adversity and overcome it.”

Not to be outdone, the Turks offense exploded in the third inning, putting up nine runs on seven hits. Green drove in three runs in the inning, and every player in the order got on base. Those nine runs are the most the Turks have scored in a single inning this season. 

“We came out ready to play today,” head coach Bob Wease said. “These guys are starting to show what they really are, and we’re going to be right there in the end.”

The Turks weren’t done scoring after the third inning. Designated hitter Luke Hatcher hit his team-leading fourth home run of the season to left field in the fourth inning. Hatcher also hit a sacrifice fly to center field which scored Green in the sixth inning, Hatcher is second on the Turks with 16 RBI, only trailing left fielder Chris Katz (20 RBI). 

After giving up four early runs, Harrisonburg’s pitching staff locked down the Cavaliers. Relievers David Davilla, Benjamin Craig and David Bell pitched the final four innings and allowed just one hit between them while striking out four batters. Bell made his third pitching appearance of the season and has struck out six batters while allowing just one walk.

The Turks will look to continue their momentum when they go on the road on Wednesday to face the Waynesboro Generals. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.