Feb. 16, 2007

Box Score

Clemson, S.C. - The George Mason baseball team was at a disadvantage before it took the field for its season opener on Friday, and not just because the Patriots were facing the nation's No. 1 team, Clemson. With the frigid weather in the Northeast, Mason has not had a chance to practice outside since the fall. The rust showed as the Patriots managed two hits and committed four errors in a 14-0 loss to the Tigers.

J.J. Pannell pitched well as the junior starter went six innings. He allowed five runs but just two of those were earned. After he gave way, the floodgates opened, as Clemson managed an eight run seventh to seal the win. Kris Mengle, Trevor Rosenberg and Darren McLean made their first collegiate appearances and they combined to allow nine runs on 10 hits in two innings.

Mason got its first baserunner in the second when Scott Krieger was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. But Justin Bour lined out to right, Jason Bour popped out to second and Ryan Brecko struck out looking. In the fourth, Chris Romanow was hit by a pitch with one out and went to second on a wild pitch. But Krieger struck out looking and Justin Bour grounded out to first unassisted.

Mason's best chance to score came in the fifth when Jason Bour led off with a double and went to second on a ground out by Brecko. Bour was erased from the base paths as he tried to score when Ryan Uphouse grounded back to the mound. In the ninth, down 14 runs, Chris Fournier had the Patriots' second hit, but a pair of ground outs ended the contest.

P.J. Zocchi got the win for Clemson, allowing one hit in six innings with six strikeouts. Doug Hogan was 3 for 5 with two home runs, three RBI and three runs while Taylor Harbin and Brad Chalk each had three hits and two RBI.

The two teams will play again on Saturday when the Patriots (0-1) send Mike Modica to the mound. Top-ranked Clemson (1-0) will counter with David Kopp. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.