Ninth Inning Rally Falls Short for Dukes

Tuesday, March 11

Harrisonburg, Va.

4 p.m.

James Madison University

5-11

Virginia Tech

12-5

Virginia Tech

James Madison

3/11/2025 9:12:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score Photo Gallery

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison baseball put the game-tying and game-winning runs on base in the ninth inning on Tuesday afternoon, but ultimately fell to Virginia Tech, 5-4, at Veterans Memorial Park.

Falling for the seventh consecutive game, the Dukes dropped to 5-11 while the Hokies improved to 12-5.

Junior Jack Cannizzaro put in a 2-for-3 effort to lead JMU at the plate, proving a run scored in the process. Freshman Tim Tyler started on the mound, tying season-highs of two innings pitched and two strikeouts.

How It Happened
First Inning
After putting a runner on from a hit-by-pitch and then a throwing error, Virginia Tech scored the first run of the game on a double to make it 1-0.

Second Inning
Virginia Tech doubled its lead on a two-out double following a walk, making the score 2-0.

Fourth Inning
A solo shot made it 3-0 Hokies.

JMU pushed three runs across to tie the game, with a one-out infield single from Cannizzaro the catalyst. After a hit-by-pitch, junior Maddux Fleck lined a double down the left field line to score Cannizaro for the first run. A sacrifice fly from junior Wyatt Peifer to make it a one-run game preceded senior Eli Steadman doubling in Fleck to tie the game at three-all.

Fifth Inning
The Hokies retook the lead on a double and a sacrifice fly, making the score 5-3.

Eighth Inning
Sophomore Nic Poole pinch hit with one out, getting hit on the first pitch of his at bat. Cannizzaro then executed a hit and run to perfection, singling into right field to move Poole to third. The Dukes then scored a run to make it 5-4 as Cannizzaro attempted to steal and drew a throw down that allowed Poole to touch home before Cannizzaro was tagged out to end the inning.

Ninth Inning
Representing the tying run, Fleck drew a walk to lead off the ninth. He then moved to second as Peifer laid down a two-strike bunt. Steadman swung through the first pitch in the next at bat before four straight balls to get on as the winning run, but the Hokies made a pitching change and got two outs to hold on for the win.

Game Notes

Reece Moody had his first multi-stolen base game of the season, swiping two bags.
Jayden Barroqueiro made his first pitching appearance since 2023, tossing an inning of relief with a strikeout.
JMU had its highest home attendance of the season, as 875 fans came out to Veterans Memorial Park.

Up Next
The Dukes open up Sun Belt Conference play the next time they step on the field, hosting ULM at Veterans Memorial Park on March 14-16.