HARRISONBURG, Va. - After starting the season playing two at JMU's ballpark, the Royals' field dried up and they were ready to play nine on their own ground. 

With an offensive explosion, and a solid start from a new face, the Diamond Royals grabbed their first win of the year decisively by a final score of 17-6.

Highlights

• After starter Jon Sawyers sat the Fighting Squirrels down in order, the Royals kicked off the scoring quickly. Jordan Jones continued to do his job at the top of the order, finding his way on base with a tough-fought walk. Jones stole second easily, then senior Jaylon Lee roped a hard single between short and third to knock in the first run of the game. Keeping speed the name of the game early, Lee stole second, then shortstop Brett Lindsay caused a Mary Baldwin error to score Lee from second. 
• The second inning told the same story for the Diamond Royals, where they pulled ahead comfortably, scoring eight total runs in the frame. Ethan Spraker doubled to start the inning, advancing to third on an error by the right fielder. Dylan Cassell, in his first start of the season, quickly took advantage of the runner in scoring position, driving a deep fly ball to center to score Spraker easily. 
• Jones walked again in his second at-bat, setting Lee up with another opportunity to score him. Lee took advantage of it, and more, driving a deep shot over the left center wall for the senior's first home run of the season. 
• After a few walks, Daniel Hupart, in his first start at DH on the year, drove another double in the gap to score both Lindsay and Ray Tricarico. Noah Dahllof singled to score Hupart in the next at-bat. 
• Still in the second, after Spraker was hit by a pitch, Cassell drove a double to the gap, scoring Dahllof and Spraker with ease to round out the scoring in the second inning of play. 
• Sawyers continued to dominate the Fighting Squrriels, allowing his first hit in the fifth inning. The starter ended with 5.0 scoreless innings and six strikeouts and two walks. 
• After walks from Logan Mason and Logan Jones, Matt Harding knocked a sharp single up the middle to score the two runners, continuing the offensive prowess for the Royals down the stretch of the contest. 
• With the bases loaded, Nick Arnold cleared the bases with a powerful shot into the gab, crediting himself with the double and pushing the Royals to their final tally of 17 total runs in the game. 

By The Numbers

• 11 - A total of 11 different Royals came across home plate in the game.
• 7 - Seven Royals were credited with at least one RBI in the game. 

What's Next

The Royals are back at home on Saturday, Feb. 26 hosting Penn-State Behrend in a seven-inning doubleheader. First pitch is currently slated for 12:00 PM.

Interview

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