College Baseball
George Mason University 12, Rider University 1
LAWRENCEVILLE-The Broncs lost to George Mason Wednesday. "We got out-played today," said Rider head coach Barry Davis. "They are better than we are."
Mason (16-10) banged out 14 hits, as Rider (7-16) used seven pitchers. "These are the games when pitchers who haven't pitched much get opportunities," Davis said. "This is their chance."
The Patriots took a 3-0 lead in the second inning on four hits and went up 6-1 in the third on four more hits.
The Broncs got on the board in the third inning when sophomore Nick Crescenzo (Hammonton, NJ/Hammonton) reached base on an error, stole second and scored on a single by senior Brandon Cotten (Wiconisco, Pa./Williams Valley).
Cotten had two of Rider's six hits, had a stolen base and made a back-to-the-infield diving catch in centerfield.
Rider sophomore outfielder Jerry Mulderig (Langhorne, PA/Council Rock South) made his second appearance of the season on the mound and pitched a perfect seventh inning, including a strike out looking, and looked to find a spot in the Bronc bullpen. "Jerry showed us a lot today," Davis said.
Freshman Eric Thomas (Dallastown, PA/Dallastown Area) pitched two and two-thirds innings of relief, allowing just one hit with four strike outs. "I liked what I saw from Thomas," Davis said. "He did a good job and gave us a chance to get back into the game."
Junior Adam Wayman (Wilkes-Barre, Pa./G.A.R. Memorial), freshman Justin Thomas (Richboro, PA/Council Rock South), freshman Greg Fazio (Far Hills/Ridge) and graduate student Ryan Murphy (Yardville, N.J./Steinert) also collected hits for Rider.
Rider and Mason have now met seven times since the series began in 1985, with Rider winning four. Rider defeated 28th ranked George Mason 13-6 in the last meeting, during the 2009 season. Mason defeated Rider in the 1992 NCAA Tournament.
Rider travels to Buffalo to take on Canisius in a three-game Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference series beginning with a 12 noon doubleheader Saturday. "Obviously it is a big series," Davis said. "We've played 23 games so now we have a pretty good idea of who has to get it done for us."
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