George Mason Tallies 23 Hits in 22-8 Victory Over Bucs

Wes Brundridge

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Two big innings pushed George Mason past Charleston Southern 22-8, Saturday afternoon at Buccaneer Field.

George Mason started the scoring in the top of the first, stringing together three hits including an RBI single by Scott Krieger, scoring Chris Fornier to give the Patriots the 1-0. It was one of six RBI on the day for Kreiger as he hit two homeruns in the fourth inning, part of a nine-run Patriot inning, as they opened up a 10-2 lead.

The Buccaneers had an answer in the first, scoring twice on four hits as four of the first five batters for CSU reached on a single. Brundridge and Fyle each made their way around to score as Matt Steele and Anthony Hayes earned the RBI.

The Patriot offense would be too much for Charleston Southern, as they tallied nine runs in the fourth, and seven runs in the sixth. The would add a pair of runs in each of the fifth and seventh innings, tacking on one more in the ninth to run away from the Bucs.

Charleston Southern would use seven pitchers, with starter Ryan Rowland (1-1) taking the loss, giving up eight runs, five earned in 3.1 innings. All seven pitchers would surrender at least one run. Mason starter J.J. Pannell earned the win, despite giving up eight runs, all of which were earned. He would go six full innings, striking out five.

Offensively for the Bucs, Wes Brundridge and Justin Fyle each went 3-for-4 on the day, scoring twice. Brundridge had three RBI, while Fyle had one. Designated hitter Matt Steele also had a pair of RBI on the day.

The Bucs will take on Cleveland State on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Collins Park in Charleston.