The George Mason Patriots erupted for a season‑high 17 runs on 11 hits, cruising past La Salle 17‑5 in a weekend baseball showdown.
From the outset the Patriots seized control, jumping ahead in the bottom of the first inning before La Salle answered with two runs in the top of the second to trim the margin to 5‑2.
The middle innings saw the Patriots extend their lead, adding nine more runs in the bottom of the fourth to push the score to 9‑2, setting the stage for a later outburst.
A decisive eighth‑inning rally saw eight Patriots cross the plate, including a two‑run homer from Owen Clyne that capped a burst of eight runs and stretched the lead to 17‑2.
La Salle managed to chip away in the ninth, plating three runs, but the damage had already been done as the Patriots closed out a 17‑5 victory.
Key Performances
Owen Clyne went 4‑for‑5 with a two‑run homer, a double and three runs scored, while Julius Bagnerise added a three‑run homer and finished with four RBIs and two runs. Drew Canody contributed a three‑run homer and scored three times, and Luciano Terilli went 2‑for‑4 with a double, a walk and three RBIs.
Logan Rumberg earned the win after surrendering just two runs over seven innings, and relievers Parker Thomas and others kept the pressure on throughout the game.
The series will continue with a middle game on Friday at 1 p.m. at Spuhler Field, giving both clubs another chance to fine‑tune before the next matchup.