Diamond Dukes Win Home Opener, 11-2

After getting off to a rocky start in their first tournament of the year, going 1-3, the Dukes returned home to face the Liberty Flames. Junior pitcher David Edwards pitched the first 6 innings for the Dukes and didn't allow the Flames to heat up the bats on the chilly February afternoon. He allowed only two runs (one earned) and five hits in his six innings on the mound. Sophomore James Weiner pitched the final three innings for the Dukes allowing only two hits while striking out two. This was his third career save. The Dukes gave up zero runs in the last 6 innings of the game.

The Dukes' most consistent batter continues to be sophomore shortstop David Herbeck who has a 10-game hitting streak going, which is continued from last season. Even better, he has multiple hits in every game this year. David is hitting .524 (11-21) on the year with one home run, seven RBIs, and five runs scored. Eight of the nine JMU starters got hits in the game and the only one who didn't (junior center fielder Alex Foltz) was walked three times, hit by a pitch, and scored 2 runs. Redshirt junior Matt Townsend finished 2-5 with a home run (his second of the year), two RBIs, and two runs. Junior second baseman Mike Fabiaschi also added two hits and two runs of his own. JMU used the 8th inning to pull away and really put the game away scoring 4 runs. The Diamond Dukes return to Long Field/Mauck Stadium on Wednesday at 3pm to face the Maryland Terrapins!

Score by Innings                    R  H  E
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Liberty............. 101 000 000 -  2  7  1
James Madison....... 210 102 14X - 11 12  2
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JMUSports.com article