The 2025 NCAA Durham Super Regional delivered a memorable opener in Durham as Duke topped Murray State 7-4 in Game 1, moving within one win of their first College World Series appearance since 196121. In front of a packed Jack Coombs Field, the Blue Devils rode the heroics of Kyle Johnson and a resilient pitching staff to secure the pivotal victory.
Game Summary
Early Tension and Murray State’s Fast Start
Murray State wasted no time putting pressure on the home team. In the top of the second inning, the Racers’ offense strung together back-to-back singles by Dom Decker and Luke Mistone, eventually pushing across the game’s first run on a sacrifice fly by Dan Tauken. They added another in the third when Decker delivered his second RBI single of the day, giving Murray State an early 2-0 advantage12.
Duke Responds: Johnson Ignites the Offense
Duke’s offense, stymied by Murray State starter Nic Schutte through the first two frames, broke through in the bottom of the third. Jake Berger worked a leadoff walk and set the stage for Kyle Johnson, a sophomore who had seen limited at-bats this season but stepped up in the absence of suspended starter AJ Gracia. Johnson launched a 108 mph home run to center field, tying the game at 2-2 and electrifying the crowd12.
Momentum Shift: The Fourth Inning Breakthrough
The pivotal moment came in the fourth inning. Duke loaded the bases with two outs, thanks to patient at-bats and timely walks. Johnson, again at the plate, ripped a ground-rule double to left-center, driving in two runs and giving Duke its first lead of the game. Berger then scored on a wild pitch, capping a three-run inning and putting Duke ahead 5-212.
Duke’s Bullpen and Key Insurance Runs
Starter Owen Proksch gutted through 5 2/3 innings, scattering six hits and striking out seven while limiting the damage from a persistent Racers lineup. In the sixth, Johnson continued his career day with another RBI double, and Ben Rounds followed with a double of his own to extend Duke’s lead to 7-212.
Murray State’s Late Push
The Racers refused to go quietly. In the seventh, they loaded the bases with no outs and managed to plate two runs, with Decker collecting his fourth hit and second RBI of the day. However, Duke’s closer Reid Easterly entered and slammed the door, escaping the jam and retiring the next six batters in order to earn his fifth save of the season12.
Key Performers
| Player | Team | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Kyle Johnson | Duke | 4-for-4, 2 doubles, 1 HR, 5 RBIs, 2 runs scored |
| Owen Proksch | Duke | 5.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 7 K |
| Reid Easterly | Duke | 3.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 4 K, 5th save |
| Dom Decker | Murray State | 4-for-4, 2 RBIs, 1 run scored |
| Nic Schutte | Murray State | 4.0 IP, 4 H, 5 ER, 5 BB, 3 K |
Turning Points
Johnson’s Bat Carries the Day
- Johnson, who had only 53 at-bats entering the Super Regional, delivered a career performance when it mattered most. He drove in five of Duke’s seven runs, including the game-tying home run and the go-ahead double. His performance was especially crucial given the absence of regular starter AJ Gracia12.
Pitching Resilience
- Proksch navigated early trouble and kept Duke in the game, while Easterly’s three-inning save preserved the lead against a dangerous Murray State offense. The Blue Devils’ staff limited the Racers to four runs despite nine hits, stranding key runners in scoring position12.
Patience at the Plate
- Duke’s lineup drew eight walks, consistently putting pressure on the Murray State pitching staff and creating opportunities for Johnson and others to drive in runs12.
Game Flow Timeline
- 2nd Inning: Murray State takes 1-0 lead (Tauken SF).
- 3rd Inning: Murray State extends lead to 2-0 (Decker RBI single). Duke ties it 2-2 (Johnson 2-run HR).
- 4th Inning: Duke scores three (Johnson 2-RBI double, Berger scores on wild pitch), leads 5-2.
- 6th Inning: Johnson RBI double, Rounds RBI double, Duke up 7-2.
- 7th Inning: Murray State scores two (Decker RBI single, Tauken RBI groundout), Duke leads 7-4.
- Final: Easterly retires last six batters, Duke wins 7-4124.
Statistical Leaders
Duke Blue Devils
- Hits: 6 (Johnson 4, Rounds 1, Hyde 1)
- Walks: 8 (Hyde, Winslow, Berger, Clark, others)
- RBIs: Johnson 5, Rounds 1
Murray State Racers
- Hits: 9 (Decker 4, Mistone 2, others)
- RBIs: Decker 2, Tauken 2
Quotes and Atmosphere
“The energy from the crowd, it‘s something you‘ve never seen before at Coombs field … I never experienced that before, and it‘s something I will probably never forget,”
— Duke starter Owen Proksch1
“Pride is not even a strong enough word. [Johnson] is a guy that started out the year in our rotation, that started out the year in the lineup, and kind of fell out of both … he just never gave up on himself.”
— Duke head coach Chris Pollard1
What’s Next
Duke (42-19) now leads the best-of-three series 1-0 and will play Murray State (42-15) again on Sunday, with a trip to Omaha and the College World Series on the line2. The Blue Devils are seeking their first CWS berth in 64 years, while the Racers look to extend their historic postseason run in their first-ever Super Regional appearance.
Analysis and Takeaways
Duke’s Depth and Resilience
Despite missing a key bat in AJ Gracia, Duke’s lineup showed its depth and patience, with Johnson’s breakout performance highlighting the “next man up” mentality. The Blue Devils’ ability to draw walks and capitalize on scoring opportunities proved decisive.
Murray State’s Grit
The Racers demonstrated why they reached the Super Regional, consistently putting runners on base and threatening late. Dom Decker’s four-hit day kept the pressure on Duke, but missed opportunities with runners in scoring position ultimately proved costly.
Pitching Decisions
Both teams leaned heavily on their starters, but Duke’s bullpen advantage was clear in the late innings. Easterly’s poise under pressure could be a key factor if the series goes the distance.
Final Thoughts
Game 1 of the Durham Super Regional lived up to its billing, with high drama, standout individual performances, and a raucous postseason atmosphere. Duke’s win puts them on the cusp of Omaha, but Murray State has shown enough fight to suggest that Game 2 could be just as compelling.
- https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2025/06/duke-baseball-murray-state-game-recap-ncaa-super-regionals-game-1-pollard-proksch-johnson-easterly-rounds-hindy-hyde-mercer-garner-tauken
- https://wtop.com/sports/2025/06/kyle-johnson-drives-in-5-in-dukes-7-4-win-over-murray-state-blue-devils-seek-first-cws-since-1961/
- https://www.espn.com/college-baseball/game/_/gameId/401777910/murray-state-duke
- https://www.espn.com/college-baseball/boxscore/_/gameId/401777910
AI Disclaimer:
This post was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence, using information from official box scores, news reports, and recaps of the 2025 NCAA Baseball Durham Super Regional Game 1 between Duke and Murray State. For the most up-to-date and comprehensive coverage, always consult official NCAA and team sources.
