The George Mason Patriots completed a three‑game sweep of La Salle with an 8‑7 victory in the regular‑season finale, capping a dominant stretch that saw the team win nine of its last ten games.
The celebration was tinged with nostalgia as the Patriots honored a group of seniors on Senior Day, recognizing contributors such as Evan Blanchard, Drew Canody, Brandon Hsu and several other key players.
Owen Clyne’s bat was hot, delivering his ninth home run of the season while driving in three runs and scoring twice, a performance that helped the Patriots build an early lead.
Sophomore left fielder Lucas Alberti added three hits, an RBI and a run, while freshman infielder Jackson Morse contributed two hits, an RBI and two runs, underscoring the depth of the lineup.
The Patriots surged ahead early, taking a 3‑0 advantage in the first inning before extending the margin with a two‑run double by Drew Canody and a two‑run homer from Owen Clyne that put the game out of reach at 6‑0.
A Bullpen Tested, Yet Steady
Relief efforts were anchored by graduate student Brandon Hsu, who tossed 2.1 innings, and Tyson Willis, who closed out the ninth with a strikeout, while starter Aiden Parker earned the win after allowing just one run over 3.1 frames.
Although La Salle rallied in the fifth and sixth innings, pulling within two runs, the Patriots’ bullpen held firm, with Parker Thomas recording his second save of the season.
The sweep not only boosted the Patriots to a 9‑1 record over their last ten games but also set the stage for the Atlantic 10 Baseball Championship, where they will open play on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Capital One Park in Tysons, Virginia.