James Madison baseball faced tough competition against Virginia Tech, losing 14-1 in a seven-inning game. The Dukes’ record now stands at 18-25, while the Hokies improved to 23-20.
Junior Ike Schmidly shone for JMU, going 2-for-3 with one RBI.
Game Highlights
In the first inning, Virginia Tech’s strong start included three walks, allowing Nick Locurto to drive in two runs with a single. By the second inning, the Hokies scored five more runs, highlighted by a three-run homer from Ethan Ball.
JMU managed to score in the third inning when sophomore Reece Moody hit a single, stole his 30th base of the season, and came home on Schmidly’s hit. This marks Moody’s significant achievement, making him the third player in JMU history to steal 30 bases in a single season. He now holds fifth place for stolen bases in a season at JMU, joining past standouts T Riley and Rich Thompson.
Virginia Tech continued to pull ahead, scoring two more runs in the fourth and three in the fifth inning, capping off their decisive win in the sixth with another run.
Game Insights
Moody’s accomplishment adds to his reputation, as he’s extended his reached base streak to 17 games, the longest for a Duke since Mike Mancini’s 23-game streak in 2014. Schmidly also made a mark by reaching base in eight straight plate appearances, dating back to the previous game against ULM.
Baseball stats can illuminate trends in player performance. A recent study by the NCAA shows that stolen bases are rising across college baseball, with players increasingly focusing on speed and agility. JMU’s evolving gameplay reflects these trends, showcasing the importance of adaptability and skill development.
What’s Next?
The Dukes are gearing up to host Marshall for a three-game series at Veterans Memorial Park starting May 1. The team will be looking to bounce back and capitalize on their home advantage.
