James Madison Falls 8-7 To College of Charleston

Kevin Sweeney
Jun 5, 2011; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; James Madison University outfielder Cole McInturff (4) beats the play by Maine first baseman Justin Leisenheimer (24) as JMU assistant coach Jason Middleton (33) looks on at the Chapel Hill regional of the 2011 NCAA baseball tournament at Boshamer Stadium.

James Madison came back in this game, but ultimately fell to the College of Charleston in 10 innings. It was their third consecutive loss to the College of Charleston in extra innings. It was also their fifth loss of the season. The College of Charleston proved to be a difficult opponent, maybe harder than many thought they would be. However, an opposing baseball team should never be underestimated.

James Madison fell to 3-5 this season, and the College of Charleston improved to 4-6. Jake Amman walked them off with a single in the 10th inning. Do you think the Dukes will be able to turn it around this season?

James Madison Loses

Here is how the comeback and eventual extra-inning loss unfolded.  In the third inning, James Madison scored first. Josiah Seguin had an infield single, and Cameron Aycock scored on a throwing error. The College of Charleston answered by scoring three runs in the bottom of the third inning. They got a bases-loaded walk and then scored two runs on a fielder’s choice and a throwing error.

The College of Charleston scored two more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. First, Amman singled, which scored a run. They got their second run. Dylan Johnson, the catcher, singled, which scored a run. They led 5-1. In the fifth inning, James Madison scored two runs to get within 5-3. First, Kyle Langley singled, scoring a run, and Ike Schmidly doubled and scored the second run.

In the sixth inning, James Madison scored two runs. Ryan Gocio tied the game with two runs batted in. In the seventh inning, the Dukes scored another run to go ahead 6-5. A pitch hit Keegan Haesler, and a run scored. James Madison lengthened their lead at the top of the eighth inning. Ryan Campbell hit a solo home run. The Dukes led 7-5.  Then it was the College of Charleston’s turn to come back.

First, in the bottom of the eighth inning, Will Tippet hit a sacrifice fly. Then, in the ninth inning, the College of Charleston tied the score at seven. Dylan Johnson got single and got a run batted in. The score was tied.

In the tenth inning, the College of Charleston walked James Madison off when Jacob Amman singled through the left side to drive in a run and win the game. Baseball is a funny game; a team battles back only to have their hopes dashed in extra innings. That is the way life goes, defeat snatched from the jaws of victory.

Player of the Game

Amman was the player of the game for his walk-off single in the 10th inning. Amman was also 4-of-5 in this game. He had 2 RBI, and he scored three runs.

Frequently Asked Questions 

The College of Charleston beat James Madison 8-7 in 10 innings. Amman was the player of the game for getting their second run walk-off hit in extra innings. The Dukes play Michigan State tomorrow in South Carolina.

Parting Shots

James Madison needs to string together some wins in their non-conference schedule. They have been close in several games, but almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. Following this heartbreaking extra-innings loss to the College of Charleston, the Dukes look to get back in the win column tomorrow.

Kevin Sweeney is a published author. He is the author of 7 books. He has written an autobiography, a book on stroke recovery, one on presidential politics, and four on sports. Kevin has a Ph.D. in political science; he has published 12 scholarly articles. He lives in Purcellville, VA, with his 3 sons and wife, Kelly. They were married in 2000.

You can get his books here:
https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/bookshelf