BOX SCORE

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison took an early lead on David Herbek's first-inning grand slam, never looking back in a 9-2 non-conference win over Radford on Tuesday night.

Reggie Keen led the Highlanders (12-10) at the plate, going 3-for-5.  Andrew Cook hit his first home run of the season, a solo blast to lead off the second inning.

Herbek swatted his bases-clearing homer, his third of the season, when the first three JMU (12-11) hitters reached, putting the Highlanders in an early hole.  Trevor Knight added a two-run blast over the right center field wall in the second, giving the Dukes a 6-0 lead.

The Dukes pushed across two more runs in the fourth and one in the fifth to take a 9-1 lead on Radford.

“Tough to win when you give up six in the first two innings,” head coach Joe Raccuia said.  “Especially when you have an offense that hasn't been proficient in scoring.  It's a tough way to start.

“Defensively, we were fine.  On offense we barreled up some balls.  We need to get better, our guys know that.”

Johnny Bladel led JMU with a 3-for-3 evening with three runs and a pair of walks.  Herbek finished the evening with five RBIs, adding another in the fourth when he reached on a throwing error by the pitcher with one out.

Cook's second-inning homer and Matt Mack's RBI double in the sixth capped the scoring for Radford.  Mack and Tyren Rivers each finished 2-for-4 for the Highlanders.

Left-handed starter Alex Valadja tossed six innings to earn the win (1-2) for the JMU, striking out seven.  Nick Slogik worked the final three innings to earn his first career save.

Radford starter Shane Pysh took the loss (0-3), allowing seven runs in 3 1 /3 innings.  Derrick Brewer surrendered one earned run in 2 2/3 innings of relief, while Cassidy McDaniel finished the game with two scoreless frames.

“Brewer came in and did a great job, and so did McDaniel,” Raccuia said.  “We walked too many guys early on and JMU put some good swings on the ball to open the floodgates.”

Radford returns home and resumes Big South action on Friday, beginning a three-game series with Charleston Southern at 3 p.m.