March 15, 2009

Box Score

FAIRFAX, Va. - The George Mason softball team took control of a pitching duel with a two-run home run from freshman Miranda Cranford, but Albany responded with 10 late runs to secure a 10-2 victory over the Patriots on a rainy Sunday afternoon at George Mason Field.

Mason (11-11), which tallied five hits on the day, was led by Cranford's blast and a 2-for-2 day for fellow freshman Rachael Davies, while junior Becky Anderson and sophomore Kara Weiner each notched a hit as well. The Great Danes (11-7) saw their offense highlighted by Michelle Connors's 3-for-4 outing.

The Patriots kept the game tight early thanks to Cranford's strong outing, as she started and allowed just two Albany hits over four innings of work. UA starter Leah McIntosh (9-0) was equally effective, until Cranford sent a 2-1 pitch over the right-center field fence, scoring Davies who had walked to begin the inning.

That would be the final offensive output for the Patriots, as McIntosh took control, allowing just one further hit while totaling 15 strikeouts on the game. For the Patriots, Anderson (6-5) was tagged with the loss after allowing all 10 Albany runs in pitching the final three innings.

The Great Danes scored five runs in the top of the fifth inning, added a run on a Kat Smith RBI groundout in the sixth, and punctuated the scoreboard in the seventh with four runs. McIntosh retired the Mason seventh in order to seal the victory.

The Patriots will be back in action in their final non-conference tuneup, hosting Mount St. Mary's for a 3 p.m. doubleheader on Wednesday.