March 2, 2007

Box Score

George Mason and William & Mary engaged in a classic nine-inning slugfest on Friday after in the Patriots' home opener at Spuhler Field and the Tribe was able to take the Colonial Athletic Association opener behind 19 runs in the final five innings, beating Mason 21-11.

Robbie Nickle hit two of William & Mary's four home runs as he was 4 for 6 with four RBI. Greg Sexton, who entered the game batting .475 was 4 for 5 with two RBI. Tim Park was 4 for 6 with four RBI and a home run and Ben Guez was 2 for 5 with a homer and four RBI as the Tribe won their fifth straight (6-6, 1-0).

Chris Fournier paced Mason, going 2 for 5 with a home run and five RBI. Jason Bour was 3 for 4 with a home run and Ryan Brecko was 2 for 3 with three runs scored. Scott Krieger added two hits but it wasn't enough as Mason (2-5, 0-1) gave up more than 20 runs for the second straight game.

Mike Modica got the start for Mason allowing three earned runs in five innings. Unfortunately a trio of unearned runs scored as well. The sixth inning saw the wheels come off as Jason Koziol surrendered six earned runs in one-third of an inning to take the loss. Kris Mengle and T.J. O'Grady combined to allow nine runs in the final three and two-third innings.

Sean Grieve allowed six runs in two and two-third innings. He gave way to Max Axelrod who got the win after allowing four runs, but just one of them earned, in two and one-third innings. Warrick Staines pitched the final four innings to earn his second save, allowing just one run on two hits.

The two teams will play again on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Spuhler Field. The teams also play Sunday at 1 p.m. Mason has won the season series every year since 2002, but William & Mary can reverse that trend with one more win in the series.