Late Push from Virginia Tech Downs Dukes

Wednesday, February 26

Blacksburg, Va.

3 p.m.

James Madison University

4-4

Virginia Tech

6-2

James Madison

Virginia Tech

2/26/2025 7:21:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

BLACKSBURG, Va. – A late push from Virginia Tech downed James Madison baseball on Wednesday, 7-2, at Atlantic Union Bank Park as it scored five runs across the sixth and seventh innings.

The Dukes fell to 4-4 and saw their four-game win streak come to a halt, while the Hokies improved to 6-2.

Sophomore Nic Poole led the Dukes at the plate, going 2-for-3 for his first career multi-hit game. Senior Casey Smith got the nod on the mound, going four innings with a pair of strikeouts while giving up five hits and two runs.

How It Happened
First Inning
The Hokies got on the board first, leading off the first inning with a double from Jared Davis as he would eventually score on a sacrifice fly.

Second Inning
Back-to-back singles from graduate Corey Dowdell and senior Eli Steadman set up freshman Creed Erdos to hit a double down the left field line to put the Dukes out front 2-1. It was Erdos' first career double and first career runs batted in.

Virginia Tech tied the game in the home half of the inning, using a trio of singles to knock in the tying run.

Sixth Inning
Three singles were used by the Hokies to break the tie, putting up a pair of runs to take the lead, 4-2.

Seventh Inning
The Hokies extended their lead on a three-run homer from Henry Cooke, as a walk and fielder's choice put a pair of runners on to help make the score 7-2.

Game Notes

Ryan Dooley drew walks in both of his plate appearances, having now reached base safely in all eight games this season.
Virginia Tech's lead off batters combined to hit 5-for-7 with a walk.
The home run by Virginia Tech in the seventh inning was the first home run in the all-time series at Blacksburg since Jake Lowery hit a three-run homer on May 8, 2011.

Up Next
The Dukes return home to welcome Fairfield for a three-game series at Veterans Memorial Park from Feb. 28-March 2. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m. on Friday for the series opener.