FAIRFAX, Va. – The Yale Bulldogs (2-3) managed to score seven runs in the top of the fifth inning, breaking a 1-1 tie on its way to a 9-2 victory over the George Mason baseball team (4-8) at Spuhler Field on Thursday.

The Patriots recorded seven hits in the loss while committing two errors while Yale used 12 hits to help drive in their nine runs.

Freshman Saul Aguilera made his first start in the Green and Gold, throwing 71 pitches in four innings in a no decision. Aguilera made it through a scoreless first inning before allowing the first run of the ballgame on a two-out single, his only run allowed in four innings pitched with two walks and one strikeout.

Mason answered back in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game at one apiece. After Tyler Nelin was hit by a pitch with one out he stole second and made his way around on a double to right-center field by fellow freshman Trevor Kelly.

The Bulldogs opened up the ballgame in the top of the fifth, scoring seven runs on five hits in the frame with the help of two Mason errors to put the score at 8-1. The Patriots scored their final run of the game in the home half when Kent Blackstone grounded out to second and scored Luke Willis for his team-leading 14th RBI of the year. Willis finished 2-4 with two stolen bases, making him 9-9 this season.

Evan Porcella pitched two and two-thirds innings of relief in the contest, allowing two hits and striking out four. Ryan Galvin and Mark Maskimow, who moved to 0-2 after allowing six runs to score, also made appearances.

Mason is back at Spuhler Field on Friday when it opens its first home series of the season against Manhattan. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.