May 4, 2004
Box Score
Anthony Smith was unable to pick up the win as the starting pitcher for George Washington but he was the hero nonetheless as he led off the top of the ninth with a home run to break a 3-3 tie as the Colonials were able to defeat George Mason, 6-3 at Spuhler Field.
Smith worked six and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out five. He was also 2 for 4 with two runs scored along with his team-leading 13th home run. The Patriots (31-13) got an excellent start out of Jake Glanzmann, who went six and one-third innings and Josh Morrison (7-2) was very effective in his first one and two-thirds innings of relief but he faltered in the ninth. Ari Rasowsky (6-1) earned the win for the Colonials despite allowing the game-tying run in the bottom of the eighth. Derrick Lutz worked the ninth for his ninth save. It was the ninth straight win for George Washington (33-14).
The Colonials struck first with a two-out solo homer by Anthony Raglani in the top of the first. The Patriots got the run back in the bottom of the frame when Jeff Palumbo and Bruce Baldwin led off with back-to-back singles, Palumbo stole third and scored on Adam Innerst's sacrifice fly to right field.
The Colonials did take long to retake the lead, as starting pitcher Anthony Smith led off rht second with a double. He went to third on a one-out ground out by Jeff Fertitta and scored on a single by Geoff Milsom. The Colonials led off the third with a single and hit batter but could not advance the runners, as Jake Glanzmann retired the next eight batters until he hit Tom Shanley with two outs in the fifth. Over the final four and one-third innings he worked, Glanzmann did not allow a hit, although he did allow a run in the sixth.
With two outs, Brad Rosenblat drew a walk, went to second on a wild pitch, advanced to third on a second wild pitch, and scored on still another wild pitch, making the score 3-1. The Patriots had a great opportunity in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game, or take the lead, but they could only manage one run in the frame.
Adam Innerst led off with a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch and Nick Shimer popped up a ball in the infield that landed amidst three Colonials. The blooper allowed Shimer to extend his hitting streak to 18 games. Robby Jacobsen attempted to advance the runners with a sacrifice bunt but he beat out the throw to load the bases. Kyle Barrett was unable to be the hero, though, as he grounded into a double play, scoring Innerst but effectively ending the rally. Jimmy Freund popped out to end the inning.
Wildness let the Patriots get another run as they scored the tying run in the seventh. Bruce Baldwin hit a two-out single off of Anthony Smith and Smith's day was over. Dan Pfau came on in relief and his first pitch was wild, allowing Baldwin to go to second. Baldwin advanced to third on another wild pitch, ball four to Chris Looze. Avi Rasowsky came on to face Adam Innerst and his first pitch was wild, allowing Baldwin to score. Innerst flew out to end the inning.
The third through fifth hitters in the order for George Mason struggled at the plate, going a combined 1 for 8 with a run and an RBI. The Patriots will have to wait 10 days before they can redeem themselves as they are off until May 14, when they begin a three-game set with Delaware.
