- Adriana Erickson hit the game-winning home run in the top of the ninth inning to give Mason the 2-1 extra-inning victory over Rhode Island in game two.
- Mason split the doubleheader, suffering a 3-2 loss in game one.
- The series finale will be played at noon on Sunday.
FINAL: Mason 2, Rhode Island 3 (PDF Box Score)
FINAL: Mason 2, Rhode Island 1 (PDF Box Score)
KINGSTON, R.I. – The George Mason softball team split its Saturday doubleheader against Rhode Island to move to 13-18 overall and 3-5 in A-10 play. After suffering a 3-2 loss in game one, redshirt sophomore
Adriana Erickson hit the game-winning home run in game two for the extra-inning 2-1 victory. The rubber game is set for Sunday at noon in Kingston, R.I.
In game one of the doubleheader, Mason looked to be in control with a lead of 2-0 heading into the sixth inning. However, a three-run, four-hit bottom of the sixth proved to be the deciding factor as Rhode Island took game one, 3-2.
It was strong start in the circle as pitcher
Bekah Ansbro recorded six strikeouts for the first six outs of the game. Later in the contest, sophomore
Marissa Butts broke the deadlock with a RBI single in the fourth inning. In the fifth frame, Erickson notched a RBI double to extend Mason's lead, 2-0. However, the Rams used back-to-back home runs to take the lead, 3-2, in the sixth inning.
Erickson and Sydnee Well drew walks in the top of the seventh to put runners on first and second with two outs. Ultimately, Rhode Island recorded the final out to win game one, 3-2. Despite an impressive 11 strikeouts, Ansbro allowed three earned runs to record her seventh loss of the season. Offensively, Lawton tabbed three hits in the opening game of the series.
Once again, Mason started the scoring during game two of the doubleheader. Freshman
Anna DiMari singled to begin the third frame. She later advanced to third base after a bunt by
Alyssa Lawton. After a throwing error by the third baseman, DiMari crossed home plate for the first run of the game.
The game settled into a pitching duel as Mason's
Haellie Gordon and Rhode Island's Sarah Gunderson exchanged outs. With Mason holding onto a 1-0 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh, the Rams used three hits to even the score. Gordon gave up two singles to put runners on first and second. As
Marina Vitalich came in to relief, Rhode Island doubled to left center to score its first run of the game.
After a quiet eighth inning, Erickson put on a show with a solo blast in the top of the ninth frame. Her fourth home run of the season gave Mason the 2-1 lead. After two Rhode Island batters fouled out, Vitalich notched her third strikeout of the game for the final out. Vitalich improves to 5-3 on the season.
UP NEXT
Mason takes on Rhode Island in the series finale at noon on Sunday.
