HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison had runners in scoring position in a one-run game in the bottom of the ninth inning, but Virginia Tech’s Ethan Gibson beat out freshman Keegan Haesler by a step for the final out at first base as the Dukes fell 5-4 in non-conference baseball at Veterans Memorial Park.

The Dukes dropped to 3-4, while the Hokies improved to 7-1.

Three Dukes led the way at the plate with two hits each in juniors Kyle Langley (2-for-5, run scored, RBI) and Ike Schmidly (2-for-5) and sophomore Reece Moody (2-for-3).

How It Happened
First Inning
Virginia Tech jumped out to a 2-0 lead three batters into the game, beginning the contest with a double, a triple and a single.

Third Inning
An infield single and a fielder’s choice added two more runs to the Hokies lead, making the score 4-0.

JMU earned a run back to make it 4-1 on a sacrifice fly from senior Jack Guerrero.

Fourth Inning
With bases loaded, a wild pitch allowed Moody to trot home for the Dukes and make the score 4-2.

Sixth Inning
Pete Daniel homered with two outs in the sixth to add a run back to the VT lead, 5-2.

Seventh Inning
A leadoff single by freshman Ryan Gocio followed by a sacrifice bunt put a runner in scoring position for Langley to drive in on a single up the middle. After Langley stole his fifth base of the season, junior Josiah Seguin made it a one-run game at 5-4 with his own single up the middle to score Langley.

Game Notes
• With three additional stolen bases, the Dukes are 37-for-37 on stolen bases attempts this season.
• The teams combined to leave 18 runners on base, eight for the Hokies and 10 for the Dukes.
• JMU batted 3-for-14 (.214) with runners in scoring position but were 7-for-9 in the leadoff spot.
• Tyler Lutz set season highs in innings pitched and strikeouts. The freshman went four innings with six strikeouts, giving up just one run and two hits.

Up Next
The Dukes head to Greenville, S.C. to play in the First Pitch Invitational next time on the diamond. They’ll play College of Charleston on Friday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m., UAlbany on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. and Michigan State to close out the weekend at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 1. The games will be play at Fluor Field, home of the Greenville Drive who is Boston’s High-A affiliate.

— JMU Athletics —