Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications

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

Since we last talked – JMU (11-5) went 3-0 since the tough Thursday night loss to Arizona State. The Dukes beat South Dakota 9-1 in five innings, New Mexico State 2-0 in a full seven innings and Lehigh 12-3 in five innings. It was the type of response head coach Loren LaPorte should be excited to see after a frustrating loss to the Sun Devils. 

Pitching reigns supreme – Coming into the season, JMU fans were thrilled about the prospects of this pitching staff. The Dukes’ pitchers haven’t been perfect through 16 games, but a team ERA of 2.01 against a good schedule shows the team’s potential. Odicci Alexander has impressed, as the junior pitcher is 6-0 with a team-leading 1.40 ERA. Megan Good is 5-4 with a 2.25 ERA. In Good’s defense, she’s gotten the nod over Alexander against the team’s toughest opponents. 

Kate Gordon keeps hitting home runs – She’s up to eight home runs on the season, keeping her two long balls ahead of Good for the team lead. Gordon is hitting .373 on the season and leads the team with 17 runs scored. She’s been fantastic.  

Sara Jubas hits stride – The sophomore shortstop is batting .529 in her 34 at-bats. She’s one of many young players (Logan Newton, Hannah File, etc.) playing at a high level. 

Home, sweet home – The next time JMU plays, it’ll be in Harrisonburg. The Dukes open the JMU Invitational on Friday.