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NORFOLK, Va. (Interstat) — Old Dominion hosts James Madison in a Sun Belt Conference baseball series opener Thursday at Bud Metheny Baseball Complex. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. with a forecast of 71 degrees and cloudy skies.

The Monarchs (27-24) enter on a three-game winning streak after sweeping Coastal Carolina on the road last weekend. Old Dominion outscored the Chanticleers 23-21 in the series, including a 9-2 victory Sunday in which reliever Jackson Okonkwo tossed four scoreless, hitless innings with three strikeouts.

Okonkwo, a key arm out of the bullpen, has allowed one earned run over his last 10 innings across three appearances. The right-hander has compiled a 2.25 ERA in his past four outings, striking out six while surrendering four hits.

The Dukes (20-29) have lost six of their last seven games, including a three-game sweep at home against Southern Mississippi last weekend. James Madison fell 10-5 on Sunday despite a strong performance from left fielder Kyle Langley, who went 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBIs.

Langley has been one of the few consistent bats for James Madison, hitting .350 over his last seven games with two home runs and six RBIs. The senior has reached base safely in eight of his past nine contests.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-3 Old Dominion win.

The series continues with games Friday and Saturday, also at Bud Metheny. James Madison is 6-17 in Sun Belt play, while Old Dominion is 12-12.

Players to Watch

James Madison: Kyle Langley, LF — Langley is 8-for-23 (.348) with one homer, six RBIs and four runs scored in his last six games. He hit safely in five of those contests.

Old Dominion: Jackson Okonkwo, RHP — The reliever has not allowed a hit in his last 7.2 innings spanning three appearances, striking out four. He worked a career-high four innings in Sunday’s win.

Recent Results

James Madison: Lost 10-5 to Southern Mississippi on May 10. Langley homered and drove in four; Jaden Kinsler threw 2.1 scoreless innings; Tyler Lutz allowed four earned runs over 4.2 innings with one strikeout.

Old Dominion: Won 9-2 at Coastal Carolina on May 10. Okonkwo earned the win with four hitless innings; Nick Sulpizio struck out six over 3.2 scoreless frames; shortstop Will Johnson went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.

Up Next

The same two teams meet again Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m., both at Bud Metheny.