Senior Ryan Foster went seven strong innings and sophomore Austin Magestro retired all six batters faced for the save as UNCW clipped James Madison 5-3 in the Colonial Athletic Association series opener at Veterans Memorial Park on Friday night.
The Seahawks improved to 35-11 overall and 14-3 in the conference, while the Dukes dipped to 18-28 and 8-11. UNCW has won 20 of its last 22 games.
Foster (11-1) picked up his nation-leading 11th win of the season to set a UNCW record for seniors. The right-hander limited JMU to two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four.
Gavin Stupienski and Zack Canada both finished with two hits and a RBI. Kennard McDowell tied the game at one in the fifth with his sixth home run of the season.
UNCW grabbed the advantage with single runs in the fifth and sixth innings. McDowell’s round tripper tied it in the fifth, while Robbie Thorburn gave UNCW the lead with a bases-loaded ground out to the right side. The Seahawks would add two runs in the seventh and a run in the eighth to push the lead to 5-1.
The series continues with a 4 p.m. start on Saturday. Alex Royalty (7-2) will get the start for UNCW, while the Dukes counter with Brandon Whithers (2-6).
