Broadside Sports

The George Mason University Patriots (42-11, 19-5) jumped to a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning, but the team could not contain the Georgia State University Panthers in their 9-3 loss. Left fielder Scott Krieger homered for the 20th time this season, giving Mason the early 2-0 lead. Krieger’s home run marked his 300th hit of his collegiate career. The Panthers countered with a two-run shot in the 3rd inning from first baseman/third baseman Bradley Logan, and they scored five more runs to extend their lead to 7-2 in the 8th inning. The Panthers hit a total of four home runs in the game. Mason attempted to rally in the 8th inning as right fielder Ryan Uphouse led off with a single, followed by a walk from center fielder Spencer Wiggins. Next, catcher Chris Henderson hit a pitch off the wall, but with the runners holding up just in case the ball was caught and Henderson seeing two bases, the Panthers prevented a bases loaded situation by tagging out Henderson. Krieger fouled out to first, but he cashed in his third RBI, scoring Uphouse from 3rd base. Even though Henderson enjoyed a 3-for-4 day after breaking his 0-for-15 slump, Mason suffered a loss that would have automatically placed them in the Colonial Athletic Association title game. Pitcher Kris Mengle (3-1) was charged with the loss after giving up five runs on five hits in 5-2/3 innings.

Mason (42-12, 19-5) was officially eliminated from the CAA Tournament after losing to the University of North Carolina-Wilmington Seahawks 5-3 in the nightcap. Pitcher Dan Gerjets (3-2) gave up a huge three-run home run in the 3rd inning to center fielder Bobby Leeper, and even though Mason cut the lead to 3-2, Leeper’s home run proved to be the game-winner. Henderson, who had a solid performance in Mason’s 9-3 loss earlier in the day, hit his 14th home run of the season in the 6th inning. Throughout this season, Mason went through a number of comebacks, but the tide had shifted in the bottom half of the inning when right fielder Alex Hill hit the spoiler, a two-run shot, which was enough to put the game out of reach. Second baseman Ryan Soares led off the 7th inning with a single, but Mason could not produce any runs as the inning ended on a strike him out, throw him out from catcher Cody Stanley. Mason had bases loaded in the 8th inning with just one out, and their slugger Krieger was looking to do some damage. Instead of hitting a first-pitch grand slam to give Mason the lead, Krieger grounded into an inning-ending double play. First baseman Justin Bour hit a lead-off double in the 9th inning, and designated hitter Shane Davis singled to put runners on the corners. Third baseman Mark Hill hit into a fielder’s choice, scoring Bour, but with two outs and only one runner on, Mason had their last shot in preserving their season. Shortstop Brent Weiss prolonged the season just for the moment as he reached on a fielding error, but pinch hitter Dan Schafferman struck out looking to end the game and Mason’s chances to winning the CAA title. Mason, who ranked as high as 25th in the nation, will be looking to earn a slot in this season’s NCAA Tournament.

The George Mason University Patriots (42-10, 19-5) scorched the Old Dominion University Monarchs for nine runs in the 3rd inning as they went on to defeat their opponent 11-5, winning the first two games of the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament for the first time since 1995. Center fielder Spencer Wiggins went 3-for-6 with five RBIs, including his third home run of the season. Not known for his power, Wiggins doubled in Mason’s first run, and later in the 3rd inning, he swatted at the 2-1 pitch and sent it over the right field wall to give Mason a 9-1 lead after the Monarchs scored first in the 1st inning. Second baseman Ryan Soares also homered for Mason in the 3rd inning. Wiggins added another RBI double in the 7th inning, and Mason held on at the end. Pitcher Mike Modica (11-1) threw for 6-1/3 innings, allowing five hits and three runs while striking out six batters. He needs one more win to match the school record for wins in a season. Mason will take on the Georgia State University Panthers, who also won their first two games of the CAA Tournament, with the winner advancing to the final.

The George Mason University Patriots (41-10, 19-5) won in walk-off fashion as shortstop Brent Weiss hit the game-winning single to give Mason the 6-5 win over the University of Delaware Blue Hens in the first game of the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament.

Weiss came off the bench in the 4th inning, and went on a tear, going 3-for-3, which included the game-winning hit. With shortstop/second baseman Ryan Soares starting at Weiss’ normal position, Head Coach Bill Brown opted to go with second baseman hitting at the No.2 slot.

The Blue Hens jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning as left fielder Bill Merkler went yard for the 16th time this season. Even though pitcher Kevin Crum settled down after the rough 1st inning, he was replaced by pitcher Ryan Pfaeffle.

Mason eventually rallied and took the lead at 4-3 in the 6th inning as pinch hitter/catcher Chris Henderson hit a sacrifice fly to center field. Pfaeffle, who pitched for 4-1/3 innings, gave up a run in the 7th inning, tying the game at 4. However, Mason regained the lead in the 8th inning as left fielder Scott Krieger hit his 19th home run of the season, a solo shot to right center field. Merkler would go deep again as he led off the 9th inning with his 17th home run to knot things up at 5.

Soares led off the bottom of the 9th inning with a single off an 0-2 pitch, and designated hitter Shane Davis doubled to put runners in scoring position with no one out. Third baseman Mark Hill, who went 5-for-13 in the series against the James Madison University Dukes, was intentionally walked after already having a hit against the Blue Hens on Wednesday, which brought up Weiss as the potential hero. On a 2-2 pitch, Weiss drove the pitch up the middle to score Soares and give Mason the win on the first day of the CAA Tournament. Pitcher Shawn Griffith (4-0) earned the win despite giving up the 9th inning home run to Merkler.

Mason will play again tomorrow against the Old Dominion University Monarchs, who lost to the University of North Carolina-Wilmington Seahawks 7-5 later in the day. The Monarchs opened CAA play this season with a 6-3 win against Mason, but Mason took two out of three as they never lost a season series to their CAA opponents this season.