Mason evens series with eighth-inning run on Saturday

FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason broke a 2-2 tie with an unearned run in the bottom of the eighth to defeat the Bryant University baseball team 3-2 on Saturday afternoon at Spuhler Field.

The Bulldogs (7-2) collected just five hits in the game and only had one over the final six innings. The Patriots improve to 2-7 with the win.

With the game tied at 2-2 in the eighth, Mason pushed across the lead run without the benefit of a hit. Sophomore reliever Justin Snyder (Georgetown, Mass.) walked two and hit a third to load the bases with two outs. He then induced a ground ball to third but the throw to second was high and pulled junior Cole Fabio (Mahwah, N.J.) off the bag, allowing the winning run to score.

Bryant got on the board quickly Saturday, scoring a single run in each of the first two innings. Fabio used his speed to produce the first run as he singled to open the game, stole second and third and then scored on a sac fly from senior Robby Rinn (Warwick, R.I.).

In the second, junior Brandon Bingel (Peabody, Mass.) opened the frame with a hard single to center before eventually moving to third on a fielder's choice. With runners on the corners and two outs, freshman Nick Angelini (Bedford, N.H.) took off for second and Bingel alertly raced home as the Patriots threw down to second base to give Bryant a 2-0 lead.

Mason looked like it would even the score in the second as Greg Popatak and Tyler Nelin opened the inning with singles. Garrett Driscoll then tried to advance the runners with a bunt but Bingel flew off the mound, barehanded the rolling ball and fired to third to start a 1-5-4 double play to thwart any rally.

The Patriots, however, were able to tie the score with two runs in the third. After a walk and a single opened the inning, Brady Acker hit a ground ball inside the third base bag for an RBI double to make it 2-1. Kent Blackstone then hit a fly ball to right field that brought home Smith with the tying run. Acker, however, tried to take third on the play but Angelini threw a strike from the outfield and Wood applied the tag as Acker slid off the base.

Bryant had its own chance to take the lead in the eighth but was unable to capitalize. With Fabio on first after a single, Rinn hit a hard ground ball to second that appeared destined for a double play but it was misplayed by the second baseman, allowing Fabio to go to third and Rinn to second with one out. Mason reliever Tyler Tobin buckled down, getting a ground ball to third that retired Fabio at home before ending the threat with a fly ball to center.

Bingel started on the mound for Bryant and allowed two runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings. He walked three and struck out three. Snyder suffered the loss despite not allowing a hit in 2 1/3 innings of relief. He walked three and struck out one. Fabio finished the game with three of Bryant's five hits and also stole two bases.

Joe Williams pitched the first seven innings for Mason, allowing two runs on just four hits. He didn't walk a batter and struck out five. Tobin earned the win with two innings of scoreless relief.

The Bulldogs and Patriots will play the rubber game of the series on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.