News Summary
Marshall University Baseball’s playoff aspirations dimmed after losing their weekend series against Old Dominion at War Memorial Stadium, finishing 2-1. They secured a strong 11-4 victory in the first game thanks to standout performances, including two home runs from Maika Niu. However, a close loss in Game 2 and an 8-2 defeat in Game 3 resulted in their seven-game winning streak coming to an end. As the regular season nears its conclusion, every game counts for Marshall as they aim to improve their standings in the Sun Belt Conference.
Hampton, Virginia – Marshall University Baseball’s playoff hopes took a hit over the weekend as they lost their series against Old Dominion 2-1 at War Memorial Stadium. The Thundering Herd managed to secure a win in the opening game of the series but faltered in the subsequent matches, leaving them with a challenging path ahead in the Sun Belt Conference.
In the first game on Saturday, Marshall dominated Old Dominion with an 11-4 victory, showcasing an impressive performance with a total of 13 hits while committing no errors. Maika Niu stood out remarkably, hitting two home runs and going 3 for 6 at the plate, finishing with three runs batted in. The Herd set the tone early by scoring three runs in the first inning, driven by contributions from Jackson Halter, Eddie Leon, and Elijah Vogelsong. Pitcher Bryce Blevins improved his record to 5-5, delivering a solid performance by pitching seven innings and striking out three batters.
However, the momentum shifted in Game 2 as Marshall faced a tough setback. The Herd established a 4-1 lead at one point, but Old Dominion rallied back with a three-run double that turned the tide in their favor. Ultimately, Marshall lost the game 5-4, marking the end of their seven-game winning streak. Griffin Miller took the loss, allowing five earned runs in five innings, despite racking up seven strikeouts.
The struggles continued for Marshall in Game 3 as they faced an 8-2 defeat. The Herd’s offense went cold, failing to score for the last seven innings of the game against ODU’s Blake Morgan, who pitched a complete game. This poor showing left Marshall grappling with their position in the conference standings.
Currently, Old Dominion leads the Sun Belt Conference with a record of 20-4, while Marshall sits at No. 10 with a 10-14 record in conference play. The Thundering Herd is just one game ahead of Georgia State, raising the stakes as they prepare for their remaining six games in the Sun Belt Conference before the postseason tournament.
The upcoming series against Georgia State is critical for Marshall. Historically, the team has struggled in Atlanta, which adds an additional layer of pressure ahead of their next matchups. With only a handful of games left to secure a favorable playoff position, Marshall’s performance in Georgia will be pivotal for their postseason aspirations.
As the regular season draws to a close, every game counts for the Thundering Herd as they look to rebound from their recent losses, regain their momentum, and improve their standing in the Sun Belt Conference. The team’s ability to address their offensive inconsistencies and capitalize on scoring opportunities will be crucial in the weeks ahead.
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