MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.— Marshall rallied in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings but James Madison plated three runs in the extra frame to top The Herd 8-5 in the first game of the Caravelle Resort Tournament.
The Dukes built a 4-0 lead through the top of the seventh inning before Marshall’s offense started to signs of life. With runners on first and third and nobody out, John Beary ripped a two-RBI single into right field then took second on a JMU error. Sergio Leon tied the game at 4-4 three batters later with a two-RBI double into left.
The Dukes took the lead back in the top of the eighth inning. JMU loaded the bases with one out and Conner Brown put The Dukes back in front with a sacrifice fly.
Marshall used small ball to tie the game and force extra innings in the bottom ninth inning. John Beary reached base to start the inning on a fielding error. Fajardo reached on a fielders’ choice and Marshall was in business with two runners aboard and nobody out. Leon moved the runners up with a sacrifice bunt Chase Vogelbach drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly.
The bullpen couldn’t keep the game tied in the extra frame. JMU’s Ty McFarland blasted a two-run homer and Conner Brown would follow with a double and eventually come around to score on Chad Carroll single.
Ryan Hopkins took loss for The Herd. Josh King started on the hill but didn’t factor into the decision. He pitched 5.2 innings, scattered seven hits and struck out six.