Posted on March 22, 2006
After starting out the season 1-12, the JMU baseball team has needed people to step it up.
On Tuesday, sophomore outfielder Matt Townsend did just that.
Madison defeated Marshall University 12-4 Tuesday afternoon in non-conference play, led by Townsend’s two home runs and five RBIs.
The Diamond Dukes improved its record to 6-13, including 5-1 over its last six games, while the Thundering Herd fell to 13-5.
Marshall couldn’t keep up with Madison on the scoreboard, as they squandered early opportunities in the game. JMU, on the other hand, didn’t have that problem.
Townsend hit his first two home runs of the season in the second and third innings to help JMU take control of the game. The first was a solo shot to right field, and the second was a two-run homer also to right field.
“I’m a free swinger up there [at the plate],” Townsend said. “I’m real aggressive and I just look for my pitch, and if I get one I try and put a good swing on it.”
Townsend’s start in the game was his first since March 9 in the first of three games against Old Dominion University.
“I think the last time I started was last weekend against ODU, so it was good to be back in there today,” Townsend said. “Coach just kind of shuffled the lineup around today, and I found myself in there.”
Senior pitcher Jacob Cook started for the Dukes and struggled early, but pitched well in pressure situations to keep Marshall at bay. He improved his record to 1-3 in the process.
Cook pitched the first five innings for the Dukes, allowing three runs on six hits. He also had three strikeouts. Freshman Dustin Crouch pitched three innings of relief, allowing only one run on four hits, and freshman Michael Brogan had two strikeouts in a perfect ninth inning.
Junior Adam Dobies started for Marshall, allowing eight runs (six earned) on eight hits in four innings.
Senior Brendan Murphy had three RBIs and two hits for Marshall, including a powerful shot over the fence that drove in two runs.
Madison scored four runs in the first three innings, but scored five in the fifth inning alone, pushing the lead to 9-3 at that point.
JMU senior outfielder Mitchell Moses doubled twice, scored twice and had one RBI. He was named to the College Baseball Foundation National Honor Roll for his stellar play last week, which included batting .571 (8-for-14) over a stretch of four games in which JMU won three.
JMU has won five out of their last six games dating back to a March 11 contest against Old Dominion University.
“Right now it feels like we’re starting to roll, which is always good. It feels like last year when we were on that 16-game win streak,” Cook said.
The Diamond Dukes played the second game in their series against Marshall yesterday at 2:30 p.m. at Long Field/Mauck Stadium.
