Dukes shut out in doubleheader against UMD

Offense anemic as JMU manages only six hits in twinbill loss to Terps

Kyra Papafil / senior photographer Sophomore Briana Carrera pitches during JMU's game two loss to UMD.

Despite being ranked No. 2 in batting in the Colonial Athletic Association, JMU (21-21) couldn't muster any offense Saturday as they dropped both games of a doubleheader to the University of Maryland (25-17).

After losing 5-0 in the opening contest, the bats remained silent as the Dukes fell 3-0 in the second game, despite a strong performance from sophomore pitcher Briana Carrera.

"[Carrera] did a great job," coach Katie Flynn said. "She kept us close, but Maryland's a good team and were able to distance themselves in seventh inning and win."

Carrera hurled a complete game, striking out 7 and yielding 8 hits while retiring ten Terrapins in a row at one point.

The right-hander's only troubles came in the first and seventh innings.

Maryland jumped out to an early 1-0 lead that carried into the final inning when the Terps added a couple of insurance runs on a 2-run double from Monica Cyphert, pushing the score to 3-0.

"Usually the first inning is a little rough for most of the team," Carrera said. "But, as the game goes on, the team gets a lot better. The sticks just weren't here today.

"I wouldn't worry about it," she added. "Maryland is an [Atlantic Coast Conference] team, and playing them just makes us better for [CAA] conference play."

Carrera also claimed one of JMU's 3 hits on the day, going 1 for 2 with a walk.

The Dukes would have the last at-bats and managed a base runner in the form of junior left fielder Natalie Burd, who singled with one out. But, the next two JMU batters would fly and line out, respectively, to end the game and seal JMU's second goose egg of the afternoon.

"This is probably some of the best pitching we've seen all year," freshman shortstop Katie George said. "We just couldn't produce runs. We were hitting the ball and they were making plays."

In the bottom of the third inning, the Dukes' had their best shot at putting runs on the board when they loaded the bases with one out due to a couple of walks and a single from George. However, the next two batters would strike out, quelling the Dukes' would-be rally.

"It's just really frustrating," Flynn said. "We had a junior and senior up and they struck out looking. We can't have that and win games."

After failing to score with the bases loaded in the third, the wind never returned to the Dukes' sails

"It's like the intensity wasn't there," George said. "That was our chance to take the lead and we just couldn't come through."

Carrera suffered the loss in game two, dropping her record to 8-8 for the season.

In game one, junior Liz George took the circle and gave up 10 hits in seven innings while surrendering 5 runs — only 2 being earned. She took loss and fell to 8-9 for the season.

Offensively, JMU had 3 hits in the first game, which came from George, Burd, and sophomore second baseman, Kelley Berekemeier — all were singles.

The Dukes look to wake the bats Wednesday as they will travel to Charlottesville for an away game against the University of Virginia. Game time is set for 2:30 p.m.