Dukes shut out LU in doubleheader

Losing streak over as JMU extinguishes Flames

Carolyn Walser / staff photographer Sophomore second basemen Kelly Berkemeier bats during JMU's sweep over LU.

After a five-game losing streak, JMU finally captured a victory Thursday when it swept Liberty University in a doubleheader at the JMU Softball Complex.

Behind solid pitching and 14 runs, the Dukes shut out the Flames in both games winning 8-0 and 6-0.

Thursday marked the return of the Dukes to Harrisonburg after a twin bill Wednesday against the University of Virginia, in which they dropped both games.

"We built on the momentum we started yesterday," coach Katie Flynn said. "We started swinging the bats pretty well at Virginia, and we made the adjustment into today. You've got to be pleased putting up 14 runs, 25 hits and two shutouts."

In game one, JMU busted out 5 runs in the bottom of the fifth, hitting three consecutive doubles that drove in 4 runs.

The rally started with one out when freshman shortstop Katie George singled and stole second. Following her base hit, the Dukes' laid on a volley of offense and batted around in the inning.

The rally continued into the next inning when JMU added 2 more runs off a pair of solo homeruns from George (her fourth) and red-shirt junior first baseman Kristi Nixon (her third).

Sophomore right-hander Briana Carrera was in the circle for the Dukes, going six innings and striking out five en route to evening her record at 9-9.

"It helps to get a rally going," senior third baseman Kara Schwind said. "When everybody's up, there's an intensity and an enthusiasm in the dugout that makes the game much easier to play."

In game two, it was more of the same with JMU scoring 4 runs in the first three innings.

Sophomore right fielder Megan Smith was responsible for more than half of the Dukes' offense as she tallied 3 RBIs and a run scored. She also contributed two hits.

Junior right-hander Liz George held the Flames back in a complete game performance in which she struck out eight and walked only one. Her effort was good enough to earn her ninth win of the season andimprove her record to 9-10.

"We were picking out good pitches to hit, and I think that had a lot to do with it," Liz George said. "Everyone, one through nine, hit the ball today."

After getting shut out in four consecutive games against the University of Maryland and East Carolina University last weekend — and mustering only 5 runs in two games vs. U.Va. — the bats rose up from their silence in a big way Thursday.

Schwind led the onslaught going 5 for 6 combined in both games with 3 RBI's, 3 runs scored and falling a home run short of hitting for the cycle.

In game one, Schwind was a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate with 2 doubles. In game two, she logged the first hit of the contest, dropping a triple at the base of the right field wall.

"I was seeing the ball well and laying off bad pitches," Schwind said. "I graduate in two weeks and I just want to go up there and have fun."

Liz George wasn't far behind with her 5 for 7 performance at the dish, which raised her team leading average to .359. For the afternoon, she totaled 3 runs scored and 2 RBI's which she added to her 7 innings pitched and 8 strikeouts from the circle.

"I felt really good today," Liz George said. "I went into the box looking for my pitch and laid off anything that wasn't mine. I was really focused today."

Throughout the two games, a total of six Dukes finished with multiple-hit games, including Katie George (4 for 8), Smith (3 for 6) and Nixon and Carrera who each had 2 hits.

JMU pitching rivaled the offense, tossing two complete game shutouts back-to-back. The last time JMU accomplished this feat was March 6 and 7 against Rider University and Ohio University.

"Brie [Carrera] threw a 3-hitter and Liz [George] a 6-hitter and the defense backed them up," Flynn said. "I can't be more pleased with that. It should give them a lot of confidence."

The Dukes continued play over the weekend in Colonial Athletic Association play against Towson University. In a doubleheader Saturday, JMU took the first game, 5-1, but dropped the second, 2-1. In the rubber match Sunday, JMU won 6-2 giving the Dukes the series win.

JMU is next in action against Radford University in a non-CAA game Wednesday when they play two at the JMU Softball Complex. The first pitch is at 3 p.m.