CONWAY, S.C. – No. 16 Coastal Carolina used a pair of home runs early and a six-run sixth inning to power past James Madison, 12-2, in seven innings on Friday night at Springs Brooks Stadium.

The Chanticleers wasted little time getting on the board, striking for four runs in the second inning. Rex Watson opened the scoring with a solo home run, his team-leading fifth of the season, before Dean Mihos followed later in the frame with a three-run home run to push the Coastal lead to 4-0.

Coastal added to its advantage in the fourth inning, as Blake Barthol delivered an RBI single to extend the lead to 5-0.

The Chanticleers broke the game open in the sixth inning, plating six runs on a series of timely hits. Walker Mitchell, Watson, and Blagen Pado each delivered RBI doubles in the inning to highlight the offensive surge and stretch the Coastal lead to 11-2.

In the bottom of the seventh, Watson capped off the night with a walk-off RBI single to score Mitchell and enforce the run rule.

Trace Mazon and Colby Thorndyke each recorded three hits and combined for three RBIs.

On the mound, Luke Jones earned the win (1-1), allowing two runs on four hits over five innings while striking out four. Darin Horn followed with two scoreless innings out of the bullpen, allowing one hit and striking out three to record his third save of the season.

With the win, Coastal Carolina improves to 14-7 overall and 4-0 in Sun Belt Conference play.

The Chanticleers and Dukes will continue the three-game series on Saturday afternoon, with first pitch set for 2 p.m. ET on ESPN+.