Kyle Johnson's epic performance lifts Duke past Murray State in super regional Game 1
Kyle Johnson's epic performance lifts Duke past Murray State in super regional Game 1
Oh he's so back 😏
B3 Duke, 2 | MSU, 2#BlueCollar pic.twitter.com/Cbe4noDmfS — Duke Baseball (@DukeBASE) June 7, 2025
Duke baseball is one win away from its first College World Series appearance in program history after dispatching Murray State 7-4 in Game 1 of the Durham Super Regional on Saturday afternoon.
The Blue Devils fell behind early in the game, trailing 2-0 entering the bottom of the third. Unfortunately for the Racers, it was Kyle Johnson's day, and the sophomore two-way player got the scoring started for Duke with a two-run shot in the bottom frame of the third to tie the game up.
Johnson wasn't done there, as he hit RBI doubles in the fourth and sixth to extend the lead. He ultimately finished 4 for 4 at the plate while batting five runs in during a breakout performance.
2 RBI double for @KyleJohnson555 to take the lead‼️
B4 Duke, 4 | MSU, 2 pic.twitter.com/hnel6vDxn1 — Duke Baseball (@DukeBASE) June 7, 2025
Murray State attempted a rally in the seventh, cutting Duke's lead to 7-4 with an RBI single and a sacrifice fly, but the Blue Devils' pitching was ultimately too strong. After starter Owen Proksch allowed just two runs with five strikeouts in 5.2 innings, Reid Easterly came in to finish the game and ultimately earned the save while tossing three shutout frames.
Huge punch out for Easterly to head to the bottom of the 7th 💪💪 pic.twitter.com/cIvzzWlESM — Duke Baseball (@DukeBASE) June 7, 2025
With the victory, Duke takes a 1-0 lead in the super regional and could punch its ticket to Omaha with a win in Game 2 on Sunday. Coach Chris Pollard's team will look to do just that when they face the Racers again at noon ET Sunday.
Follow us @DukeWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Duke news, notes, and opinions.
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