April 3, 2010

Box Score

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - Locked in a pitcher's duel for the majority of the game with Hofstra, the George Mason softball team succumbed to a timely Pride hit in the sixth inning which proved the difference in a 2-0 Colonial Athletic Association loss on Saturday afternoon.

Hofstra improved to 21-6 and 6-0 in CAA play in earning the sweep over the Patriots, who dropped to 8-16 and 1-5 in conference.

After five and a half scoreless innings in which senior Becky Anderson limited the Pride to just one hit, Hofstra loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Sara Michalowski blooped a single just inside of the left field foul line which allowed two runners to come around and score. One batter later, Courtney Crews grounded into a inning-ending double play but the damage had been done as Hofstra took a 2-0 lead.

Down to their final three outs in the top of the seventh inning, the Patriots were retired by Hofstra's Olivia Galati in order to give the Pride a series sweep. Galati, who improved to 13-2 with the victory, allowed base hits up the middle to Mason's Rachael Davies and Anderson in the fourth inning.

Anderson took the loss and fell to 3-3 despite an outstanding performance, scattering just four hits while striking out eight Hofstra batters.

The Patriots will be back in action this Wednesday, hosting Maryland-Eastern Shore for a 3 p.m. doubleheader at the Mason Softball Complex.