May 1 / Rob

Diamond Dukes Sweep Their Way Into Tournament Position

The Diamond Dukes took 3 out of 3 against UNCW over the weekend to sweep the crucial late season series. The series matched-up the two teams preseason CAA favorites both trying to finish strong and secure a spot in the CAA tourney. The Dukes were on the outside looking in last week, in 5th place while UNCW were sitting on the top of the standings. What a difference a weekend makes. After sweeping the series, the Dukes are tied with Delaware on top of the standings and the Seahawks have slipped back in 5th place.

The series was kicked off with an outstanding pitching performance by JMU’s Sean Tierney. Tierney gave up only 1 run in 7 innings Friday night and struck out 11 in the 12-2 win. It was the 19th time the Diamond Dukes had scored at least 10 runs in a game this season. They’ve won every one of those 19. Game 2 was a bit more exciting, as JMU had to come from behind late to win it. The Dukes have earned a reputation for hitting for the fences, but they pulled off a bunt squeeze play in the 8th to take the lead and held on for a 6-5 victory. The finale was won due to some clutch pitching from reliever Josh Futter who pitched 3 shut out innings to close out the Seahawks in a 9-6 game.  

The top four teams make the CAA tournament but the seeding doesn’t really provide much of an advantage, so the key is just to make it. Chuck Carree does a better job of breaking it all down than I ever could, but the Dukes chances are looking pretty good at this point. Unfortunately, that was the the first thing I’ve read byt Carree, but he’s already got me thinking that he is to CAA baseball what Brian Mull is to CAA hoops. The Star News down in Wilmington really does an outstanding job covering the league. If UNCW had a football team it might be my favorite paper.

2 Comments

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  1. JMU rulz / May 2 2011

    Yo guys, the lax team beats UVA again last week and no mention? Where’s the love? Go Dukes!

  2. Rob / May 2 2011

    We’re happy the lax team is doing so well, but unfortunately we just don’t have the time to keep up with every single JMU team. If you’ve got suggestions for things we should write about or any other tip, feel free to email us at jmusportsblog@gmail.com. Maybe we’ll write about it or even find a way for you or another reader to guest post.

    Thanks for reading!

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