TOWSON, Md. - The George Mason baseball team opened its CAA
weekend series at Towson with a 6-1 loss on Friday afternoon at Schuerholz Park.
With the loss, the Patriots dropped to 11-7 overall and 2-2
in CAA action, while the Tigers improved to 7-9 overall and 2-2 in conference
play.
The Tigers struck in the bottom of the second to take a 1-0
lead. With one out and a runner on second, outfielder Ben Winter hit a looping
shot to left center, driving in a run. The Tigers had an opportunity to add to
the scoreboard, but Mason sophomore first baseman Mick Foley made a diving save
on a hit down the right side and starter
Anthony Montefusco struck out Towson shortstop Hunter Bennett to end the
threat.
A two-out, two-RBI triple to deep center field from
outfielder Kurt Wertz extended the Towson lead to 3-0 in the home half of the
third inning.
Three more Tigers runs crossed home plate in the sixth
inning. With runners on first and second Towson played small ball, laying down
three-consecutive sacrifice bunts to bring in two runs. Mason had a chance to
end the inning, but a ball went through the legs of junior second baseman Chris
Cook, allowing another run to score and give Towson a 6-0 advantage.
Mason finally dented the scoreboard in the top of the
seventh inning on a solo home run by senior designated hitter Zack Helgeson,
his conference-leading eighth home run of the year. He has now hit a home run
in three-consecutive games and currently owns a seven-game hitting streak.
The Patriots mustered only five hits in the contest,
including a 2-for-4 performance from senior third baseman Brig Tison, extending
his hitting streak to 10 games.
Montefusco took the loss, scattering five hits with six
strikeouts in 5.2 innings pitched. Sophomore Neight Hoffa closed the game, throwing
2.1 innings and giving up just two hits and a walk.
Junior Michael Trionfo earned the win, working 7.0 innings
and allowing just four hits, one run and striking out a career-high seven
batters. Tyler Austin pitched the final 2.0 innings, striking out two and
walking one.
Wertz paced the Tigers, going 2-for-4 at the plate with two
RBI's and one run scored.
The Patriots return to action tomorrow for game two of their
weekend series with the Tigers.
