Dominate Pitching, Grand Slam Lead Dukes Past Cougars Twice

Saturday, April 14

Charleston, SC

2 P.M.

James Madison University

29-8, 9-1

College of Charleston

23-19, 3-7

James Madison

Col. of Charleston

Dominate Pitching, Grand Slam Lead Dukes Past Cougars Twice

4/14/2018 8:55:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 @JMUSoftball Box Score - Game 1 Box Score - Game 2

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. – Sophomore Odicci Alexander threw a one-hit complete game and freshman Hannah File recorded her first collegiate home run in grand slam fashion to lead the Dukes past the College of Charleston twice with a 2-0 shutout and a 4-1 victory on Saturday afternoon.

The Dukes improved to 30-8 overall and 10-1 in Colonial Athletic Association play while the Cougars fell 23-20 overall and 3-8 in league action.

File came up clutch in a bases load situation in the top of the sixth and crushed her first home run of her career over the left field wall, picking up four RBI as Kierstin Roadcap, Kate Gordon and Alexander all drew walks to get on base.

Freshman Payton Buresch tossed her eighth complete game of the season going the distance, only allowing one run (unearned) on four hits while striking out four over 27 batters faced. The Downers Grove, Ill. product sits at second in the league in wins after picking up her 14^th win in the circle.

The Cougars scored first, plating their only run of the day after a single to third base advanced a runner home who reached on an error.

In the first game, Alexander threw her first one-hit game of the season and the Dukes second after hurling 94 pitches, facing 25 batters, striking out six and walking none. It's the Boydton, Va. products second consecutive shutout and eleventh complete game of the season. She upped her record in the circle to a league leading 16 wins.

Senior catcher Ashley Samuels led the Dukes at the plate going 2-for-3 with a double and single, while recording one run. Sophomore Natalie Cutright sent Samuels home with a single to right center in the third to put the Dukes on the board. Alexander followed with a single to left field that sent Morgan Tolle home.

QUOTING COACH LAPORTE
"Today was not our best day offensively as we struggled to record hits and get on base but we are always happy to walk away with two conference wins. Our pitching staff really stepped up and got the job done in the circle and I and really happy with Odicci's and Payton's performances. Hannah came up in a crucial situation and I am really glad she could finally send one out of the park as she's been working hard this season."

UP NEXT
The Dukes are back in action tomorrow as they look to sweep the series over the College of Charleston with a scheduled first pitch for noon.