Big Sixth Inning Downs Dukes at Winthrop

Friday, March 18

Rock Hill, SC

5 p.m.

James Madison University

9-9

Winthrop

5-11

James Madison

Winthrop

3/18/2022 9:22:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

ROCK HILL, S.C. – A pitching duel between James Madison baseball and Winthrop occurred through the first five innings, before Winthrop scored four runs in the sixth inning to down the Dukes, 4-0, on Friday evening at The Winthrop Ballpark.

The Dukes fall to an even 9-9 while Winthrop moves to 5-11.

Graduate student Justin Showalter started for the Dukes and went 5.1 innings and struck out four. Redshirt junior Nick Zona led the team at the plate, going 2-for-3.

How It Happened
The teams traded zeros on the board through the first five innings to start the game. The Dukes were able to get the first base runner of the game in the third inning when Zona singled to center field. Redshirt sophomore Chase DeLauter was able to get to third in the fourth after reaching on a single, but a groundout negated the damage.

Meanwhile, Showalter did not allow a Winthrop base runner until the fourth inning on a leadoff fielding error, but the runner was tossed out by Jason Schiavone trying to steal second base. The Eagles were able to get their first base hit in the fifth, lacing a two-out single to left field.

Winthrop was finally able to end the pitching duel in the sixth inning, as they scored four runs off a pair of singles and a two-run double to lead 4-0.

The Dukes were able to get a pair of runners on in the eighth inning, with singles from Zona and redshirt sophomore Mason Dunaway, but a fly out ended any possible threat.

Garrett Gainey went 7.1 innings in the start for Winthrop to earn the win in the 4-0 victory, striking out seven.

Game Notes

The game began two hours after the original start time due to a rain delay.
Anthony Piccolino went a season-high two innings of relief and struck out three.
It is the first time the Dukes have been shutout this season and only the second time in the last 29 games stretching back to the 2021 season.

Up Next
The two squads will battle in the middle game of the series on Saturday, March 19 at The Winthrop Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.