March 7, 2005
Box Score
Josh Morrison has had some fine performances in his George Mason career but none have ever been as dominating as Monday's outing against Virginia Tech. The senior righthander from Nags Head, N.C. allowed just two hits and struck out 11 batters on the day, retiring the final 14 batters for a 2-0 win, Mason's fourth win in four days.
Morrison came into the day sporting an 18.00 ERA after allowing six runs in three innings in his one appearance of the year. He showed none of the rust that he had taken to the mound with him in that appearance several weeks ago. After allowing a first-inning hit, he retired 11 straight batters, including a stretch of five straight strikeouts. The Hokies finally got their second hit in the fifth but Morrison seemed to just shrug it off and get right back to business, retiring the final 14 for his first decision of the year.
The Patriots, meanwhile, gave Morrison all the run support he would need with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth. Chris Fournier led off that inning with a walk and went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Robby Jacobsen. After Adam Innerst was intentionally walked. Matt Barrett came through with a single to left to score Fournier. Leftfielder Billy Marn tried to throw Innerst out at third but the ball went past the bag and into the Mason dugout allowing Innerst to score and Barrett to take third. The Patriots tried to add a run on a squeeze bunt but Brett Pomykala popped the ball up and Barrett was doubled off third to end the inning.
This was just the second time in the past 10 meetings that the home team won the contest. Virginia Tech won in 2000. Mason has now won two straight in the series but trails all-time, 15-13-1.
Casey Herald was impressive in the first start of his career for Virginia Tech. He went four innings, allowing three hits and just one earned run while striking out three and walking three. Greg Fryman was equally impressive in relief, allowing just four hits and no walks while striking out two in four innings. Jose Cueto and Marn were the two Hokies to reach base on the day, both on singles.
Mason was without its top offensive player, second-team All-American Chris Looze, and its top defensive player, Matt Cooksey. Looze, a senior first baseman, was out with strep throat. Cooksey, a senior centerfielder, was out with a hand injury. Both are expect back for Mason's next contest.
The Patriots are in action again on Saturday when they host Fairfield in a doubleheader beginning at Noon. Virginia Tech plays next on Wednesday when the Hokies host High Point at 3 p.m.
