Seniors Nick Hogan and Marc Mimeault both had a pair of hits and combined for three home runs, but that was about all of the offense the Georgia State baseball team could muster in a tough 6-5 loss to James Madison in Harrisonburg on Sunday afternoon.
The Panthers were swept by the Dukes for the second straight season and fell to 26-18 and 8-7 in CAA play. James Madison, one of the hottest teams in the conference and winners of ten of their last eleven games, improved to 27-18 and 11-7 in CAA action.
Hogan and Mimeault got the Panthers on the board with a pair of solo home runs in the top of the third as State took an early 2-0 lead.
It was Mimeault's team high tenth home run of the season and put him just one out of the top ten for a single season in Panther history.
Freshman Brandon Williams put State ahead 3-0 when Hogan popped up to the pitcher, but reliever Trevor Knight dropped the ball and Williams scored from third.
Duke starter Justin Wood lasted just 3.2 innings, allowing three hits and three runs, while walking two and striking out four.
James Madison cut the deficit to one in the bottom of the fifth. Lee Bujakowski singled up the middle scoring Jake Lowery to get the Dukes on the board. Knight, who relieved and served as the designated hitter, then doubled down the right field line, scoring Bujakowski, while Matt Townsend was thrown out at home.
The Dukes tied the game in the bottom of the sixth and then took the lead with three runs in the bottom of the seventh as two costly Panther errors led to the runs. Junior Ryan Moore was relieved by Aidan Francis midway thru the seventh inning.
Moore, who did not factor into the decision, went 5.1 innings, allowing seven hits and three runs, while striking out three.
Francis (4-1) earned the first loss of his collegiate career, allowing two hits and three runs, only one of which was earned over 1.1 innings. Will Campbell pitched the final 1.1 innings, not allowing a hit and giving State a chance in the ninth.
After two quick outs to start the ninth, sophomore Theo Asher scored a pinch-hit single. Hogan followed with his second home run of the game and fourth of the season, cutting the deficit to just one. Unfortunately, that is as close as State would get as senior Derek Simmons struck out to end the game.
Knight improved to 3-1 with the win, going 5.1 innings and allowing just two hits, both in the ninth inning, and two runs, while walking two.
Georgia State will take the week off in preparation of final exams before beginning a ten-game home stand to conclude the regular season starting on Friday night. VCU will travel to Atlanta for the start of a three game series. First pitch on Friday and Saturday night will begin at 6 p.m., with each game broadcast live on WRAS-FM 88.5. Live stats will be available via GeorgiaStateSports.com.
