The Dukes entered their final Sun Belt Conference series against Old Dominion looking to close the season on a high note, but the Monarchs had other plans. From the first inning, Old Dominion seized control, setting the tone for a game that would see the visitors outpace the home team on both offense and baserunning.
Early Surge by the Monarchs
Old Dominion struck first, plating a pair of runs in the opening frame on back‑to‑back groundouts that caught the Dukes off guard. The early onslaught forced James Madison to play catch‑up for the remainder of the contest.
The Dukes managed to get on the board in the fourth inning when Clay Thompson delivered a single that drove Reece Moody home from second. The hit sparked a brief rally, but the Monarchs answered in the same half‑inning, adding two more runs to push the lead to 5‑1.
Fourth Inning Decisiveness
A second rally by Old Dominion in the home half of the fourth inning cemented the gap. The Monarchs loaded the bases earlier in the frame and capitalized on a double play to tack on another run, leaving the Dukes with a four‑run deficit that they could not overcome.
Both Thompson and Moody contributed to the Dukes' offensive stats, each finishing 2‑for‑4 at the plate. Their efforts also nudged their stolen‑base totals to 24 and 33 respectively, underscoring a season defined by aggressive baserunning.
Stolen Bases and Streaks
The Dukes' team stole 137 bases over the course of the season, a testament to their speed and willingness to take extra bases. However, Kyle Langley's 17‑game reached‑base streak came to an end, highlighting the volatility of the lineup as the season wound down.
Rematch on the Horizon
The two programs will meet again the following day in the TowneBank Royal Rivalry Challenge, giving the Dukes a chance to respond to the early deficit. The upcoming contest promises a fresh narrative as James Madison looks to adjust its strategy and reclaim momentum.