Five-Run First Inning Propels Virginia to Win Over JMU

Wednesday, March 27

Harrisonburg, Va.

4 p.m.

James Madison University

18-13

Virginia

22-10

Virginia

James Madison

3/27/2024 8:10:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Photo Gallery

HARRISONBURG, Va. – Virginia scored eight runs in the first two innings, more than enough to down James Madison softball by a score of 12-3 on Wednesday evening at Veterans Memorial Park.

The Cavaliers improved to 22-10 with a season-high 12 runs on nine hits, while JMU dropped to 18-13, bringing across three runs and six hits while committing an error.

Reed Butler reached base for the 25th consecutive game, finishing 1-for-3 with a run scored. KK Mathis recorded her 13th multi-hit game of the season, going 2-for-3 with two RBI. Madison Edwards walked twice to bring her season total to 16, while Hallie Hall notched her fifth double of the season and went 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Kirsten Fleet started in the circle but only lasted two innings, allowing eight runs (five earned). Payton List pitched 3.0 innings of relief, striking out three and yielding one run, while Molly Grube and Rebecca Muh pitched the sixth inning for the Dukes.

How It Happened

The Cavaliers brought home five runs in the top of the first, aided by a bases-clearing double.
Jasmine Hall was hit by a pitch and Bella Henzler walked to lead off the home first, and the Dukes brought a run across on a Mathis RBI single to center field, cutting the deficit to 5-1.
The Hoos added to their lead in the top of the second on a three-run home run off the bat of Shelby Barbee, which made the score 8-1.
Virginia added to its lead in the third inning on an infield single which extended its lead to 9-1.
Down 9-1 and the bases empty with two outs, Butler and Mathis picked up consecutive hits to keep the Dukes alive and cut the Hoos advantage to 9-2.
Hall gave JMU another run with an RBI double down the right-field line (9-3).
The Cavaliers added three more runs in the top of the sixth, scoring two runs on a wild pitch and one on a bases-loaded walk.

Game Notes

Butler extended her on-base streak to 25 consecutive games and has recorded a hit in 11 straight.
The 12 runs and 10 walks allowed by JMU is a season-high in both categories.
Henzler has also reached in 12 consecutive games.
Mathis recorded her eighth multi-RBI game of the season and leads the Dukes with 29 runs batted in this season.

Up Next
JMU opens a three-game home conference series tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. against Georgia State, with television coverage provided by ESPN+.