WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – James Madison scored three runs in the top of the eighth inning to even the series and top the William & Mary baseball team 3-1 in the middle contest of three-game set at Plumeri Park on Saturday afternoon. With the decision, the Tribe falls to 21-13, 5-6 in Colonial Athletic Association play, while the Dukes improve to 19-17, 3-8 in league action.
 
Both starting pitchers were excellent in the game, but neither of them factored in the decision. Senior Bodie Sheehan allowed no runs on three hits with seven strikeouts in 6.2 innings, while JMU's starter Nick Stewart nearly matched him going six-plus innings allowing one run, five hits, and had two strikeouts.
 
Offensively, freshman Jack Cone paced the Tribe and was the only player with a multi-hit game. The rookie was 3-for-4 with his first career home run, and the Tribe's only RBI.
 
JMU's Shelton Perkins threw the final three innings and locked the Tribe down as he earned his second win. He allowed just one hit and fanned eight in the final three frames.
 
W&M Lineup – Thomas RF, Socher LF, Smith C, Pearson 3B, Trehub 1B, Cone CF, McDermott 2B, Raquet DH, Wrighte SS
 
JMU Lineup – Dabney 3B, Semones SS, Brown DH, Harju 1B, Dipasupil 2B, Willis RF, Hayes C, Sigler LF, Griffin RF
 
How it Happened
- W&M missed a chance to take an early lead as it left the bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth. With an out, back-to-back singles from seniors Hunter Smith and Zach Pearson matched with a walk from junior Matthew Trehub loaded the bases. However, Nick Stewart collected himself, and induced two foul outs to end the frame. 
- The Tribe scored the game's first run thanks to solo shot in the bottom of the seventh inning. Freshman Jack Cone launched a homer over the right field wall to start the scoring.
- JMU took the lead for good with three runs in the visitor's half of the eighth. Travis Reifsnider led of the inning with a single, and then after an out Carson Bell singled and Trevon Dabney reached on a catcher's interference to load the bases. After a passed ball allowed for the first run to score, Fox Semones doubled to clear the bases and make it 3-1. Cone avoided any further damage as he gunned down Semones at the plate trying to score, and made a diving catch to end the inning.
- The Tribe was able to bring the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth, but Shelton Perkins struck out the side to preserve the win.
 
Inside the Numbers
- James Madison held a slight advantage in hits, 7-6.
- W&M left seven runners aboard, while the Dukes stranded six men.
- Freshman Jack Cone hit the Tribe's 17th homer of the season.
- The Tribe pitching staff fanned 10 batters in the game. 
 
Notes
Freshman Jack Cone belted his first career homer in the bottom of the seventh … He recorded his sixth multi-hit game of the season, including both games, so far, this weekend … Cone now has 17 RBI … Senior Owen Socher extended his on-base streak to 21 games with a first inning walk … Senior Bodie Sheehan recorded his sixth quality start in his nine appearances this season  … He matched a season-high for the second time with seven strikeouts.  
 
What's Ahead
The rubber game between W&M and James Madison is tomorrow, Sunday, April 14. First pitch between the Tribe and the Dukes is set 1 p.m. Tomorrow's game will also be Scout Day, and all scouts in uniform will receive a $2 ticket. Following the contest, the Tribe players will be holding a postgame youth clinic.