As the Valley League Baseball season reaches crunch time in 2024, the Charlottesville Tom Sox have begun July with a crucial two-game set against the Harrisonburg Turks. Currently, the Tom Sox lead the southern division, and entering Monday, they were three games ahead of the Turks in the standings.

The first game at Veterans Memorial Park in Harrisonburg saw 2 ½ innings of tied play. However, a two-run double from Harrisonburg’s designated hitter Luke Hatcher gave the Turks the lead and chased Charlottesville starter Thomas Whelan from the game. Brett Gastman relieved Whelan in the 4th inning, but Harrisonburg’s hitters remained in rhythm. Right fielder Anthony Paskell hit a two-run home run, extending the Turks’ lead to 5-1 halfway through the game.

Big innings in the 6th and 8th for Harrisonburg overshadowed a pinch-hit, two-run double from Charlottesville catcher Jack McMullan and clever baserunning from second baseman Sam Mummau. The game ended 10-4 in favor of the Turks.

The two teams will face off again tonight (Tuesday, July 2) at 7:30 PM. Fans can watch the game live on the Turks’ YouTube channel or follow live updates on the Tom Sox’s Twitter page. The Tom Sox aim to rebound and maintain their division lead over the Turks.

Watch tonight’s game on YouTube.

Follow live updates on Twitter.

Marshall LeMert with Jaclyn Piermarini