HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison baseball fell, 5-4, in its series opener against the Louisiana Rajin’ Cajuns on Thursday evening.
JMU (13-15, 4-6 Sun Belt) finished with four runs on seven hits, while Louisiana (19-11, 4-6 Sun Belt) tallied five runs on nine hits.
Clay Thompson led the Dukes at the plate with a 2-for-4 outing, which included his third home run of the season. Kyle Langley picked up a hit and walked twice out of the leadoff spot, while designated hitter Cameron Aycock went 2-for-3 with a walk.
Parker Smith picked up his first win of the season on the mound for Louisiana, going 3.1 innings in relief. Cody Brasch recorded his fourth save of the season, striking out six batters.
How It Happened
First Inning
After Langley robbed the Cajuns of a home run, they successfully went deep the next at-bat to take an early lead.
The Dukes wasted no time responding with a solo homer by Clay Thompson to even the score at one.
Third Inning
With the bases loaded, Steven Spilatta launched a double off the right field wall, scoring all three baserunners and giving Louisiana a 4-1 lead.
Fourth Inning
The Cajuns extended their lead with a solo home run by Donovan LaSalle to make the score 5-1.
After loading the bases with a pair of walks and a bunt single, JMU was able to score three runs on a hit by pitch, a walk, and a fielder’s choice, cutting Louisiana’s lead to one (5-4).
Seventh Inning
The Dukes loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh on a pair of walks and a single, but a groundout ended the scoring threat.
Ninth Inning
Reece Moody reached on a single and stole second, but a pair of strikeouts ended the scoring threat and gave Louisiana the win.
Game Notes
• Jack Guerrero reached base safely in his 14th straight game.
• Clay Thompson extended his hit streak to seven and recorded his 15th career multi-RBI game.
• The Dukes batted 0-3 with the bases loaded and 1-9 with runners in scoring position.
• Patrick Bauer pitched four scoreless innings.
• Neither team recorded an error in the contest.
Up Next
The Dukes and Cajuns play game two of the three-game set at 4 p.m. ET tomorrow, April 3.
— JMU Athletics —
