LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Softball team had its seventh-inning rally stopped just short and James Madison held on for an 8-7 win in Game 2 of a Sun Belt Conference series held on Saturday, April 12 at Lamson Park.

With the bases loaded and two outs trailing 8-4, Louisiana (19-22, 5-9 SBC) had James Madison (18-20, 5-9 SBC) in a bind with a budding comeback attempt brewing.

Mia Liscano drew a walk to force in the first run and bring Maddie Hayden (2-for-5, 2 RBI) to the plate. Hayden took two pitches and then deposited a two-run single into the left center trimming the Dukes’ lead to a single run.

Hayden took second on the throw to the infield to place the winning run in scoring position for the Ragin’ Cajuns. Kayla Falterman (1-for-3, run) lifted a perfectly placed low line drive that JMU center fielder Reed Butler was able to catch on the run for the final out that halted UL’s push just shy of the finish line.

The seventh inning frenzy was part of a frantic finish to the contest that saw each team produce four runs over the final two innings after a mid-game lull.

Saturday’s win, coupled with winning the 1-0 pitchers’ duel decision in Friday’s series opener, gave JMU the series win. UL was saddled with its eighth consecutive loss in a one-run game.

Louisiana wasted little time grabbing an early lead as Emily Smith (2-for-3, RBI) delivered an RBI single three batters into the contest, then later scored on Mia Norwood’s infield single advancing the lead to 2-0.

JMU responded promptly to capture a lead it wouldn’t relinquish. After a bases-loaded walk and infield single forced in two runs to even the score it was Butler lacing a two-out, two-run single through the left side to provide the Dukes a 4-2 lead.

That’s where things stood as UL reliever Tyra Clary and JMU’s Kirsten Fleet kept runs at a premium until the sixth inning.

Sam Roe (1-for-3, RBI) broke Fleet’s hold with a two-out RBI single before the fifth inning closed. The Dukes, though, quickly stretched their lead out with a three-run home run from Payton List in the top of the sixth that increased the lead to 7-3.

List was brought into the circle to protect the expanded lead, but the Ragin’ Cajuns chipped away up until the final out was secured.  

A sacrifice fly that the Dukes picked up in the top of the seventh inning proved to be the insurance run that prevented List from relinquishing the lead.  

UP NEXT FOR LOUISIANA

Louisiana concludes the three-game Sun Belt series with James Madison and Alumni Weekend festivities at Lamson Park on Sunday, April 13. First pitch is scheduled for Noon.

Live coverage is available on ESPN+, the Ragin' Cajuns Radio Network (The Goat 103.3 FM/1420 AM and Varsity Sports app) and CajunStats.com.

The annual Kid’s Day festivities will be held including pregame anthem buddies and the postgame run the bases and autograph session.

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