FAIRFAX, Va. – The Patriots rallied from an early 0-3 deficit to tie the game, but Longwood scored the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth to defeat Mason, 4-3, on Tuesday afternoon at Spuhler Field.
The win evened LU's record at 21-21, while Mason fell to 13-29. Joe Manion picked up the win for the Lancers to improve to 2-3, while Taylor Hunt took the loss for the Patriots in relief to drop to 1-3.
Longwood took the lead in the third, as Kenny Cassidy hit a one out double to left center and scored on a slow single up the middle from Colton Konvicka for the first run. Konvicka then stole second and third, putting him in position to score on a groundout by Matt Dickason to put the visitors up, 2-0.
The Lancers added another run in the sixth, connecting on three consecutive singles with one out to drive in a run and increase the lead, 3-0.
Mason knotted the score in the bottom of the sixth, as Tommy Vitaletti and Derek Evans led off with back-to-back singles to chase LU starter Tyler Wislocki off the mound. Dylan Caruso came on and walked Blaise Fernandez on four consecutive pitches to load the bases before giving up a two-RBI single up the middle to Tucker Tobin and an RBI groundout to Anthony Montefusco, tying the game at 3-3.
Longwood took back the lead for good in the top of the eighth after Brandon Delk started the inning with a double and scored on a single up the middle by Konvicka for the final 4-3 lead.
Tobin led the Mason offense with a 2-for-4, two RBI showing. Starter Nick Kendrick worked 6.0 innings, allowing three runs on eight hits with a walk and four strikeouts. Taylor Hunt took the loss in 2.0 innings of relief and allowing the go-ahead run in the eighth, while Tyler Mocabee threw the final inning for the Patriots.
Konvicka finished 2-for-5 with two RBI's, while Dickason and Biddix both went 1-for-4 with an RBI. Manion got the win in 1.2 scoreless innings of relief, and Travis Burnette picked up his second save of the season after working the final two innings.
The Patriots return to action tomorrow, kicking off an eight game road trip at Temple. Gametime is set for 3:00 p.m.
