March 24, 2006

Box Score

FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason (9-14, 4-6 CAA) found the cure for its recent pitching woes on Friday afternoon against Towson (7-15, 1-6 CAA) as senior Eric Gibbons pitched 6 1/3 strong innings to pick up his third win of the season and lead the Patriots to a 6-2 conference victory against Towson in the first game of a three-game series.

Gibbons (3-4) allowed six hits and two earned runs in the game. He was relieved in the seventh by right-handed senior Phil Stone, who didn't allow a hit in 2 2/3 innings of work. It was a reversal of fortune for the Patriots' pitching staff as they had struggled recently, compiling a 10.06 ERA during the past six games.

George Mason jumped on the board in the first inning, scoring two runs. The Patriots added two more in the bottom of the third on RBI singles by designated hitter Casey Slattery and right fielder Mike Laird.

After Mason plated another run in the fourth to take a commanding 5-0 lead, the Tigers finally got on the board in the top of the sixth when catcher Ryan Schreiter hit into a fielder's choice, allowing sophomore A.J. Tinnerella to score from third.

Towson starter Chris Rhoades, who fell to 0-3 with the loss, held the Mason offense in check in the bottom of the sixth and the Tigers tacked on another run in the top of the seventh to pull within three runs. That would be as close as the Tigers would get; however, as the Patriots answered in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI single by first baseman Scott Kreiger.

The second game of the three-game series against Towson is scheduled for 2 p.m. tomorrow at Spuhler Field. Left-hander Brent Hitz (2-2, 4.30 ERA) is scheduled to start for George Mason.