Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

Marshall University Baseball Sees Winning Streak End

Marshall University Baseball players in action during a competitive game against Old Dominion.

News Summary

Marshall University Baseball’s impressive seven-game winning streak came to a halt following a close 5-4 loss to the Old Dominion Monarchs. Despite initially leading 4-1 with two home runs, the Herd struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities and faced a formidable Old Dominion pitching staff. This series resulted in two defeats for Marshall, placing them in a challenging position as they pursue postseason success, with their next matchup against Georgia State on the horizon.

Hampton, Virginia – Marshall University Baseball had its remarkable seven-game winning streak terminated on Saturday, May 2, 2025, after a nail-biting 5-4 loss to the Old Dominion Monarchs at War Memorial Stadium. With the defeat, Marshall’s overall record stands at 25-23, and they are now 10-13 in conference play in the Sun Belt Conference.

The game started off promising for Marshall, who seized an early 4-1 lead, thanks to two two-out, two-run home runs. The first came from A.J. Havrilla in the third inning, followed by another blast from Nolan Wilson in the fourth. However, all nine runs during the match were scored with two outs, showcasing the importance of clutch hitting.

Old Dominion made a comeback in the fourth inning, tying the game with a critical three-run double. Shortly after, they took the lead with a two-out RBI single in the fifth inning, marking a shift in momentum. Despite several scoring opportunities, Marshall’s offense struggled to capitalize, leaving a staggering 10 runners on base during the game.

Individual performances from Havrilla and Eddie Leon stood out, as they collectively contributed six of Marshall’s eight hits. Havrilla ended the game with strong numbers, going 3-for-4, while Leon recorded a solid 3-for-5 performance. Despite the offensive efforts, the Herd faced challenges, including a critical moment in the fifth inning where they loaded the bases but ended the rally with a strikeout.

Marshall continued to threaten in the seventh inning but failed to bring the runners home, stifling their chances to retake the lead. The head coach acknowledged the team’s struggles with strikeouts and faced significant challenges from Old Dominion’s effective pitching staff throughout the game.

This weekend series with Old Dominion marked a tough outing for Marshall, who ultimately lost two out of the three games. The Herd managed to win the series opener on Friday with an impressive 11-4 victory, during which Maika Niu showcased his power with two home runs. However, Marshall came up short in the second game, narrowly losing 5-4, followed by a decisive 8-2 loss in the series finale on Sunday.

As it stands, Marshall is currently in the 10th position within the Sun Belt Conference standings, and the team has six games remaining before the start of the postseason. Coastal Carolina tops the conference with a commanding record of 20-4, putting pressure on Marshall to improve their standing in the coming days.

Looking ahead, Marshall will face Georgia State in their next matchup, a challenge that has historically proven difficult for the team. This upcoming series presents an opportunity for the Herd to regain their momentum and secure crucial wins that could impact their postseason chances.