FAIRFAX, Va.  - A 12^th inning grand slam by Old Dominion outfielder Chris Baker powered the Monarchs past the George Mason baseball team, 5-1, on Friday afternoon at Spuhler Field.

Mason, playing in its first extra innings affair of the season, dropped to 25-15 and 11-8 in the CAA while ODU improved to 15-23 and 5-11 in conference play.

Both teams put a single run on the board in the second inning, and the score remained that way over the next two hours until ODU struck in the 12^th. Third baseman Brent Frasier led off the inning with a walk, shortstop Josh Wright singled up the middle and outfielder Josh Eldridge was intentionally walked to load the bases for Baker, who lined a shot to right field for his seventh home run and second grand slam of the year for the final 5-1 margin.

Mason put a runner on in the bottom half of the12th inning as junior second baseman Chris Cook led off with a walk, but junior outfielder Nick Allen struck out and senior shortstop Brig Tison grounded into a double play to end the game.

ODU took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the second off of an RBI single by outfielder Ben Verlander, but Mason responded in its half of the second, as sophomore third baseman Blaise Fernandez led off with a single, stole second and was driven home on an RBI double to left center by senior catcher Jake Leonardo to even the score at 1-1.

The Patriots had an opportunity to take the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning, as Dan Schafferman drilled a hard-hit double to deep left center that barely missed going over the wall, and senior designated hitter Zack Helgeson was intentionally walked to leave runners at first and second. However, Mason was unable to bring in any runs as the next three batters were set down in order to end the threat.

Schafferman and Fernandez both finished the day 3-for-5 at the plate, while Leonardo was 2-for-5 with the lone Mason RBI.

Starter Anthony Montefusco threw 6.2 strong innings, giving up just one unearned run on five hits with five strikeouts. Jake Kalish worked 4.1 innings in relief and took the loss, allowing the Monarchs to score two runs on three hits with three strikeouts. Sean Cabrera also threw for the Patriots, giving up two runs on one hit.

Baker's lone hit of the day was the grand slam in the ninth, as he finished the day 1-for-6 with 4 RBI's and one run scored. Eldridge finished the day 3-for-5, while Wright went 4-for-6.

ODU used four pitchers on the day, with the win going to the final reliever Brandon Smith who worked 4.2 scoreless innings, striking out four and giving up two hits.

Due to heavy rain expected in the area, the two teams will conclude their season series tomorrow in a doubleheader slated to start at 10 am.