HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – Scoring seven runs across the final two innings, Georgia State pushed past James Madison late, 11-5, in Sun Belt Conference baseball on Saturday afternoon at Veterans Memorial Park.

The Dukes fell to 10-21 (4-7 SBC) while the Panthers improved to 20-13 (7-4 SBC).

Senior Eli Steadman led the way at the plate for JMU, going 2-for-4 with a run scored and a double. Classmate Casey Smith got the nod on the mound and went 2.1 innings with two strikeouts while giving up four runs (two unearned).

How It Happened
First Inning
Colin Hynek’s team-leading 10th home run of the season gave Georgia State a 1-0 lead.

Second Inning
A two-run shot from Carter Bailey extended GSU’s lead to 3-0, with both runs unearned.

The Dukes responded with two of their own, as sophomore Ike Schmidly connected on a double to score classmate Kyle Langley before scoring on a sac fly to make it 3-2 from junior Maddux Fleck.

Third Inning
Georgia State pushed its lead to two and made it 4-2 on a double down the left field line on a check swing.

Once again, JMU responded reciprocally in the home half of the inning. Loading the bases, Langley brought home a run on a groundout to make it 4-3.

Fifth Inning
Senior Ryan Dooley led off with a walk, stole second, moved to third on a groundout and then scored on a sacrifice fly from classmate Coleman Calabrese to tie the game at four.

Seventh Inning
JMU took the lead on a sacrifice fly after freshman Jack Anderson and senior Eli Steadman led off the inning with singles. A sacrifice bunt moved both over into scoring position before junior Wyatt Peifer knocked in Anderson for a 5-4 lead.

Eighth Inning
After tying the game on a sacrifice fly, a fielding error extended the inning for Georgia State. It then loaded the bases before a double from Hynek drove in all three runners for an 8-5 lead.

Ninth Inning
The Panthers scored three on a bases-loaded walk and a two-run double to increase their lead to 11-5.

Game Notes
• Six of Georgia State’s 11 runs were unearned.
• The Dukes retired 13 of 18 batters to bridge the third inning through the seventh.
• Freshman Jack Anderson’s single in the seventh inning was the first hit of his collegiate career.
• Both teams had five hits out of the leadoff spot, both going 5-for-9.

Up Next
The Dukes will face Georgia State in the series finale tomorrow, April 6 at 10 a.m., with the start time pushed up due to forecasted inclement weather.

— JMU Athletics —