Image courtesy of JMU athletics communications

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

JMU wins series – The Dukes beat Hofstra 8-6 and 4-3 before falling 10-5 in Sunday’s game. The Dukes move to 25-19 overall and 6-9 in the CAA. A winnable series with Towson awaits. 

Game 1 – The game wasn’t as close as the final score indicates. JMU led 2-0 after the first inning, but let the game get tied at 3-3 in the top of the fourth. The Dukes scored two runs in the bottom half of the inning and eventually led 8-3 after five innings. The Pride hit a three-run home run in the seventh inning, but it was clear throughout the night that JMU was the better team. 

Game 2 – A pitcher’s duel went JMU’s way, as the Dukes led 3-2 entering the ninth before allowing a run in the top of the frame. The Dukes won in the bottom half on a walk-off hit by pitch. 

Game 3 – JMU allowed six runs in the top of the first and trailed the rest of the way. Give the Dukes credit for fighting hard, though. They cut the deficit to 6-5 after two innings, but weren’t able to push any runs across in the final seven frames. They left 14 runners on base. 

CAA standings – JMU is firmly entrenched in the messy middle of the CAA standings.  

JMU can realistically finish anywhere from third to ninth. The top six teams make the CAA tournament. It should be a fun finish to the year. With nine CAA games remaining, JMU faces Towson, Northeastern and UNCW the rest of the way. The Towson series is at home, while the others are on the road. A series win against Towson is crucial, and a sweep would be helpful. 

Up next – The Dukes host Towson this weekend.