April 17, 2004

Box Score

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (www.hofstra.edu) - The Patriots combined for four home runs and 22 hits as George Mason defeated Hofstra, 25-8, in a Colonial Athletic Association game, Saturday afternoon at University Field. Shortstop Jeff Palumbo went 3-for-5, belting two home runs, scoring four runs, and four RBI for the Patriots (23-10, 10-1 CAA). The Pride (10-19, 3-8 CAA) drop their eighth CAA game.

Palumbo hit his first home run of the day in the first inning, a solo shot off Pride starter Charlie Frago. In the second inning, the Patriots scored seven runs chasing away Frago. Catcher Robby Jacobsen slammed his eighth home run of the season , a two-run shot. Third baseman Nick Shimer went 2-for-3, as he hit two doubles in the inning, collecting two RBI. George Mason scored in every inning except the fifth and sixth. In the third, designated hitter Kyle Barrett hit his second home run of the season and Palumbo slammed his second of the game. The Patriots then scored five in the seventh, four in the eighth, and three in the ninth. Second baseman Jimmy Freund went 4-for-5, with his fifth double of the season, two runs scored, and two RBI.

The Pride put runs on the board in the third, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth as second baseman Ricky Caputo went 3-for-6 with 3 RBI. Pride bats came alive in the ninth with three runs. Shortstop Josh Stern doubled to center, third baseman Felix Adamkiewicz singled, and left fielder Eugene Brooks reached on fielder's choice, scoring Stern. Caputo then doubled to center, bringing home Brooks, and Stewart, who singled.

25 runs marks the worst home loss for the Pride since 1992. Patriots starter Stacen Gant (7-0) earned the win, pitching six innings, allowing two runs, scattering 11 hits, while striking out two. Pride starter Charlie Frago falls to 3-3 on the season, while allowing six runs.

These two teams will meet tomorrow in the CAA series finale at 1 p.m. at University Field.