On Friday, George Mason baseball will travel up 66 to take on rival George Washington for the program’s first Atlantic 10 road series.
The Patriots hosted Cornell in doubleheader action on Wednesday, splitting results to move to 15-9 on the season.
George Washington, who went 15-9 in A-10 play last season, has struggled out of the gates this season, losing 18 of their first 25 games.
For the history aficionados out there, Mason leads the all-time series 59-38.
George Washington at a glance
The Colonials enter weekend action on a five-game slid and losers of eight of nine. On Wednesday, George Washington hosted the No. 1 team in the nation, Virginia.
In front of the school’s largest crowd of the season, the Cavaliers showed why they are deserving of the top ranking, as they shutout the Colonials by a final of 10-0.
Despite struggling to produce runs at a high rate this season, it was the first time that George Washington had put up zero runs in a contest.
Senior outfielder Owen Beightol, who recorded one of the Colonials’ three hits against Virginia, is the top threat at the plate. He has a .387 batting average in 25 starts with 14 runs. He is also the only player with a homerun.
Starting Game One will be Aaron Weisberg (0-5, 4.19 ERA, 24 K) who is still in pursuit of his first win. Against St. Louis last weekend, the senior surrendered two runs in only 3.1 innings.
Taking the mound on Saturday will be Jacob Williams (2-2, 3.67 ERA, 10 K). Against the Billikens, Williams gave up three runs in five innings.
Bobby LeWarne (1-2, 2.57 ERA, team-high 29 K) will appear in the series concluder.
Mason at a glance
Offense was at a premium against Cornell, as there was only six hits (three apiece) in Game One and eight runs total.
Jake Kalish took the mound for the first time this season and shutdown the Big Red offense, as he allowed only one hit in five innings.
Closer Mark Maksimow came in for the ninth and mowed down all three batters he faced for his fifth save of the season.
The Patriots, however, would lose Game 2 by a final of 3-2.
Blaise Fernandez picked up two RBIs and recorded the 61st double of his career—most in school history.
Blaise Fernandez sets a new doubles record at #Mason, now with 61 and counting in his collegiate career! pic.twitter.com/6NwDKm29JJ
— GMU Baseball (@MasonBaseball) April 2, 2014
Starting this series opener will be Anthony Montefusco (5-1, 0.98 ERA). In 15 innings against A-10 foes, the senior is 2-0 with 15 K’s and only one earned run.
Squaring off against Williams in Game Two will be Jared Gaynor (4-2, 0.70 ERA). Pitching a complete game shutout against Fordham on March 22nd, Gaynor’s 0.70 ERA is the 12th lowest in the country.
Closing out the series from the mound for the Patriots will be John Williams (0-1, 6.00 ERA). In two starts this season opponents are hitting .289 against the junior.
Mason Stat Leaders
Average: Ray Toto (.355)
Hits: Josh Leemhuis (31)
Homeruns: Chris Cook (3)
RBIs: Blaise Fernandez (17)
Stolen Bases: Luke Willis (10)
Wins: Anthony Montefusco (5)
ERA: Jared Gaynor (0.70)
Strikeouts: Anthony Montefusco (44)
Saves: Mark Maksimow (5)
