FAIRFAX, Va. - The Patriots (1-5) continue their seven-game homestand when they host Cal State Northridge (5-3) on Thursday, March 3rd with the first pitch scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at Spuhler Field.
Mason played at home for the first time of the season last weekend with Rutgers taking two of the three games in the series. Sophomore Brady Acker led the Patriots at the plate reaching base 10 times in the series, including three walks. He is batting .478 with two home runs and six RBI over his first six games.
Freshman Jonathan Hansen is off to a strong start, hitting .385 with two RBI. Sophomore Michael Smith and freshman Greg Popatak II have enjoyed success at the plate. The infielders are each hitting .333 on the season. Popatak collected three hits and drove in half of the Patriots runs in an 8-6 loss to the Scarlet Knights last Sunday.
The stop at Spuhler field is the first of a four-game East Coast road trip for Cal State Northridge. They will travel across the river to play George Washington for three games beginning Friday.
Scouting Report
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools. The Matadors won three of four games last weekend against Northern Colorado. In game two of the series the Cal State Northridge pitching staff tied a school record with 19 strikeouts and sophomore LHP Kenny Rosenberg took a no-hitter into the seventh inning. He earned Big West Conference Player of the week for his effort.
At the plate, junior Fred Smith has reached base in all eight games this season for the Matadors (.333, 0 HR, 3 RBI).
Cal State Northridge has won both of its road games this season. A 7-5 win at CSU Bakersfield Feb. 20 and a 3-0 victory at Pepperdine Feb. 23.
Probable Starting Pitchers
Freshman LHP Brian Marconi (0-0, 16.88) is scheduled to take the hill for Mason. This will be his third appearance of the season. Marconi has allowed five runs on five hits in 2.2 IP in his two previous outings.
Senior RHP Angel Rodriguez (0-0, 4.50) will make his first start of the season for Cal State Northridge. He has allowed three runs on seven hits over six innings of work in four relief appearances.
The Patriots will host Bryant for a three-game weekend series starting Friday, March 4th, with the first pitch scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at Spuhler Field.
