FAIRFAX, Va. - Redshirt sophomore pitcher Anthony Montefusco shut down the Bryant offense and a solo shot in the bottom of the sixth from sophomore first baseman Mick Foley propelled the Mason baseball team to a 1-0 victory over the Bulldogs on Friday afternoon at Spuhler Field.

Montefusco (2-0) threw eight scoreless, striking out 12 batters, including eight of his first 13 faced and his final three batters in the top of the eighth. He allowed only three hits and did not walk a batter as the Patriots improved to 5-3 on the season.

Foley's heroics came in the bottom of the sixth inning as he stepped up to the plate with two outs and drilled a fastball to right center, giving Mason the only run it needed in the game.

Bryant (2-5) threatened to score in the top of the fifth inning, as catcher Mike Delponte reached second with a double to left center. The next batter, first baseman Jamie Skagerlind, singled to right to advance Delponte to third. After Skagerlind advanced to second on a wild pitch, Montefusco worked out of the jam by striking out designated hitter Matt Zanotta and then got second baseman Joseph Carcone to fly out to right to end the inning.

The Patriots had an opportunity to dent the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth, as they loaded the bases. Senior designated hitter Zack Helgeson started the inning flying out to right field, and was followed by junior center fielder Nick Allen who reached on an error by the Bulldog's shortstop. Senior catcher Jake Leonardo singled to advance the runner, before sophomore shortstop Jordan Hill grounded out to the first baseman to advance the runners. Junior second baseman Chris Cook was hit by a pitch to load the bases, but the inning came to an end after senior third baseman Brig Tison grounded into a fielders choice, forcing Cook out at second.

Redshirt junior LHP Chris O'Grady came in relief for Montefusco in the ninth, striking out his first batter before walking Bryant pinch hitter Adam Claire. However, the game ended as O'Grady got Kevin Brown to fly out to right field, catching pinch runner Ben Lipper out at first after he was sent running on the hit.

Foley finished the day 1-for-3, and Leonardo was the only other Patriot to record a hit, finishing 1-for-3 at the plate with a single.

Montefusco improved to 2-0 on the season, while O'Grady earned his second save of the season.

Bryant starting pitcher Peter Kelich took the loss, going 7.0 innings with two hits, one run, three walks and four strikeouts. Jonathan Cohen threw one inning of relief, striking out one batter.

David Soltis, Delponte and Skagerland all finished 1-for-3 for Bryant.

The Patriots square off with the Bulldogs again tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 pm from Spuhler Field.