Coastal Carolina run-ruled James Madison University (JMU) 10-0 in the second game of the series , clinching the series over JMU at Springs Brooks Stadium.
“It feels like they’re starting to put everything together at the right time,” Coastal fan Eric Engler, from Arlington, Pennsylvania, said. “The pitching and hitting are both coming along, and you can see the confidence building.”
Neither team generated much offense early, as both sides were held scoreless through the first three innings. James Madison’s outfielder Ike Schmidly recorded a single in the opening frame, but Coastal pitcher Ross Norman worked out of the inning with a strikeout. Coastal had a chance in the first after infielder Blake Barthol singled, but a double play erased the opportunity and kept the game tied.
The Chanticleers threatened again in the third inning when shortstop Ty Barrango drew a walk and center fielder Dean Mihos followed with a single, but a popout ended the inning before any runs could score.
Norman remained in control on the mound, holding James Madison scoreless through four innings while recording three strikeouts. Coastal’s defense made an impact, highlighted by an outfield assist from Mihos to cut down a runner.
Coastal’s offense broke through in the fourth inning.
Infielder Walker Mitchell reached on a walk, and outfielder Rex Watson followed with a single to put runners on the corners. Outfielder Blagen Pado brought in the first run of the game on a sacrifice bunt to give Coastal a 1-0 lead.
First baseman Colby Thorndyke later reached to load the bases, and catcher Brice Estep was hit by a pitch to bring in another run, extending the lead to 2-0. After a pitching change by James Madison, a wild pitch allowed another run to score. Infielder Trace Mazon then hit a home run later in the inning to bringing the lead to 6-0.
Through five innings, Norman continued to limit James Madison’s offense as Coastal maintained control.
Coastal fan Henry Blood, a freshman business management major at CCU, said the team adjusted well after a slow start.
“We need to wake up earlier in the game,” Blood said. “But we picked it up later, so we’re good now.”
Blood also said Norman pitched really well, referring to him as “ a beast.”
In the sixth inning, Mihos extended the lead with another home run, his second in two games.
Barthol followed with an RBI double to add to Coastal’s lead.
Coastal continued to apply pressure late in the game.
In the seventh inning Pado and catcher Domenico Tozzi were hit by pitches, loading them on base. Pado later stole third while Tozzi advanced to second. A throwing error by James Madison’s catcher allowed Pado to score, making it 9-0.
“It just felt like everything was clicking today,” CCU senior journalism and sports media major, Alexander Hart, said in the stands. “They were getting on base and putting pressure on JMU, which made a difference.”
Mihos ended the game with a walk-off RBI double, giving Coastal a 10-0 victory.
