James Madison University’s baseball team secured an 11-3 victory over the University of Louisiana Monroe in the opening game of their series on April 24, after a decisive six-run fourth inning at Lou St. Amant Field.
The win is significant for James Madison, as it ends an eight-game losing streak and improves their record to 17-23 overall and 7-12 in Sun Belt Conference play. The University of Louisiana Monroe’s record now stands at 22-20 overall and 9-10 in conference games.
The Dukes set a new season high with 16 hits during the game. Senior Wyatt Campbell, junior Ike Schmidly, and sophomore Jack Anderson each contributed three hits. Campbell finished the day going three-for-five with a home run, two runs scored, and two runs batted in (RBI). Anderson also went three-for-five, adding a run scored, an RBI, and achieving a career-high three stolen bases. Schmidly had a standout performance with three hits—including two home runs—a double, five RBI (a career high), and three runs scored. He became the first Duke to drive in five runs in one game since Mike Manicini and Fenwick Trimble accomplished similar feats earlier this season.
On the mound, redshirt sophomore Holden McKinney earned his first win of the season by pitching three scoreless innings in relief. Senior Jaden Kinsler picked up his first save by closing out the final 3.1 innings while allowing just one run.
Game highlights included Schmidly’s pivotal three-run homer that gave James Madison its first lead of the game during the fourth inning. Freshman Will Haacke added to that lead with a ground-rule double before Cameron Aycock drove in two more runs with a single.
Looking ahead, James Madison will continue its series against Louisiana Monroe tomorrow afternoon.
