Duke Baseball Wins Historic Super Regional Opener Against Murray State

DURHAM, N.C. — Duke baseball kicked off the Durham Super Regional with a thrilling 7-4 victory over Murray State on Saturday afternoon. The win marked a significant milestone as it was the first-ever Super Regional game held in Durham.

Kyle Johnson was the standout player for the Blue Devils, going 4 for 4 at the plate with five RBIs, including two doubles and a home run. Johnson stepped up in a crucial moment, filling in for suspended teammate AJ Gracia. His contributions not only energized the offense but also showcased his defensive skills.

Johnson’s performance began dramatically, hitting a towering home run in the third inning that tied the game. He later provided a ground rule double during a pivotal moment when Duke loaded the bases. In the sixth, Johnson added another RBI double, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

On the mound, Owen Proksch delivered a strong performance, throwing 115 pitches across 5.2 innings while allowing only two earned runs. Proksch effectively used his breaking ball to maintain control and escape challenging situations during the game. After Duke took the lead, he shut down Murray State’s offense, keeping them off the board for critical innings.

A late rally from the Racers threatened Duke’s lead, as they loaded the bases with no outs in the seventh inning. However, Duke’s Reid Easterly managed to limit the damage by allowing only two runs, preserving a 7-4 lead for the Blue Devils.

This victory puts Duke in a strong position, leading the series 1-0 with a chance to advance to the College World Series. The Blue Devils have not reached Omaha since 1961, making Sunday’s matchup crucial. Game two of the series is set for noon ET at Jack Coombs Field.