Image courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications

By Bennett Conlin (This content was originally published in our newsletter)

Another missed chance – Despite a 3-0 win in nine innings over Michigan, JMU will be kicking itself for letting Thursday’s second game get away. The Dukes led Arizona State 4-2 entering the bottom of the seventh, but Good allowed a pair of two-run homers, and JMU lost 6-4. Both Arizona and Arizona State beat the Dukes on walk-off home runs. 

JMU (8-5) could easily be 10-3 with five wins over ranked foes, but the Dukes will have to settle for three wins of ranked teams and an 8-5 start. Megan Good (4-4) has more losses in the circle this season than any other year of her career, and it’s the season is 13 games old. She hasn’t been perfect, but much of this can be attributed to a tough schedule. 

The good news – JMU isn’t getting blown out by these teams. In fact, the Dukes have chances to win late in these games. With such a young team, it might take a little time for everyone to get comfortable closing games against quality opponents. Megan Good is going to be just fine, as she’s still one of the top pitchers in the country. Sometimes great players have a hard time getting other great players out. Good losing isn’t going to become a trend.  

Up next – The Dukes play South Dakota today and New Mexico State and Lehigh on Saturday. All three games are winnable.