FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University baseball team managed just two hits in a 7-0 loss to Bryant University in the finale of a three game series on Sunday afternoon at Spuhler Field. The Bulldogs won two of three over the weekend to even the all-time series against Mason at three wins apiece.
In his third start of the season, freshman Bryce Nightengale was on target early. He retired the Bulldogs in order in each of the first two innings and allowed just one base runner in his first three innings of work.
Bryant (8-2) would get to Nightengale in the top of the fourth when junior Matthew Albanese hit a leadoff double and advanced to third on a fielder's choice. It appeared that Nightengale would work his way out of trouble, however, junior Brandon Bingel lined a RBI single to left field to drive in Albanese to make the score 1-0. The Patriots (2-8) allowed the first run in all three games of the series against Bryant.
In the sixth, the Bulldogs used three hits, three walks and took advantage of two Mason wild pitches to break the game open. Junior Cole Fabio was given a free pass on four pitches to start the inning and Albanese followed with a double into the gap in left-center field to put runners on second and third. Senior Robby Rinn then hit a sacrifice fly to left, with Fabio racing home to double the Bulldogs lead to 2-0. Bryant added two more runs in the inning to increase its lead to 4-0.
In the top of the eighth, the Bulldogs loaded the bases with only one out and scored three more runs to pad the lead to 7-0.
Bryant starter James Davitt (2-0) allowed just one hit over six innings, striking out eight without walking a batter. Davitt and two relievers combined for the two-hitter.
Nightengale (0-2) allowed four runs on four hits over 5 2/3 innings in the loss. He struck out one and walked three. Senior Evan Porcella surrendered three runs on one hit in 1 2/3 innings of work. Junior Tyler Kardas and sophomore Saul Aguilera combined for 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
Senior Kent Blackstone went 1-for-4 with a double and sophomore Trevor Kelly was 1-for-3 with a double. Sophomore's Tyler Nelin and Frank Sturek each drew a walk in the game.
The Patriots travel to Greenville, N.C. to take on East Carolina Tuesday, March 8th and Wednesday, March 9th. The first pitch for both games is scheduled for 4 p.m.
