MASON (28-16, 13-8 CAA) at JAMES MADISON (14-27-1, 8-13 CAA)
When: Friday-Saturday, April 27-29, 2012
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Harrisonburg, Va.
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PITCHING
Friday: RSo. RHP Anthony Montefusco (4-2, 2.98 ERA) vs. Fr. RHP Patrick Toohers (2-1, 3.91 ERA)
Saturday: Sr. RHP Ryan Pfaeffle (5-3, 3.59 ERA) vs. RFr. RHP Michael Howerton (0-2, 6.61 ERA)
Sunday: RSr. RHP A.J. Johnson (6-4, 3.99 ERA) vs. Sr. RHP Evan Scott (1-4, 10.08 ERA)

The Patriots will head to Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park for the first time since the facility opened three seasons ago thanks to a scheduling quirk that has had the Dukes traveling to Fairfax four out of the last five seasons. The last time Mason traveled to Harrisonburg was the 2009 campaign, and it was also the last time the Patriots claimed a season series over the Dukes.

Mason has won 11 of its last 15 conference contests and has won all but one CAA series this season. Against conference opponents this season the Patriots are hitting .274 with 104 runs scored, while the pitching staff has a 3.49 ERA, allowing 94 runs on 187 hits. The pitching staff has also struckout 132 batters faced while only issuing 57 walks.

Senior shortstop Brig Tison leads the Patriots, hitting .364 with 67 hits, 39 runs scored and 11 stolen bases. Senior designated hitter Zack Helgeson has a team-best  .599 slugging %, .433 on base percentage, 36 RBI's, 17 doubles, 10 home runs and 27 walks. Among the weekend starters, redshirt sophomore Anthony Montefusco has the best ERA (2.98), while limiting opponents to just a 2.40 batting average with 55 strikeouts and 14 walks, while junior reliever Chris O'Grady continues to lead the conference with 11 saves and a 0.33 ERA. He has not given up a run in CAA play this season.

After a slow start to the season, the Dukes enter the weekend winners of seven of their last nine CAA games.

Junior outfielder Cole McInturf is batting a team best .340, while junior infielder Casey Goss leads the team with 55 hits, 30 runs scored and 21 stolen bases and senior designated hitter Evan Scott has driven in a team high 35 runs.

TEAM STATISTICS
Batting
Mason                Category              JMU
8^th - .278       Batting Average     3^rd - .290
4^th - .374              OBP              2^nd - .385
4^th - 259          Runs Scored        3^rd - 275
4^th - 418              Hits               3^rd - 420
4^th - 228              RBI                2^nd - 240
6^th - 45          Stolen Bases         3^rd - 77

Pitching
Mason              Category          JMU
3^rd - 3.79             ERA         11^th - 6.76
3^rd - .263         Opp. BA       11^th - .306
1^st - 305         Strikeout      10^th - 238
3^rd - 132            Walks       11^th - 194
1^st - 16              Saves       11^th - 4