Mason baseball ends 10-game losing streak with 4-2 win over Towson

Pitching and hitting worked together to snap Mason's 10-game losing streak Saturday (Photo by John Irwin).

It was a great day to be a Patriot on Saturday when George Mason University took on Towson University.

The Patriots (13-22, 5-12 CAA) were able to put their 10-game losing streak behind them as the offense finally came alive, propelling the struggling squad to a 4-2 victory over Towson.

The Tigers (18-17, CAA 8-6) fought hard all game, until giving up four runs in the bottom of the eighth. Starting pitcher Paul Beers threw a gem of a game for 7 strong innings until Mason’s pitcher-catcher tandem of Anthony Montefusco and Patrick Esposito got the best of him.

Montefusco, Mason’s starting pitcher, also hit in the game, walking with the bases loaded to get the Patriots first run on the board. Two batters later, Esposito was able to drive a single into right field, scoring two runs. The Patriots never looked back.

“They were working me away early in the game. I was trying to adjust, saw something I liked and did what I could with it,” said Esposito, who will be seeing a significant increase in playing time due to the injury to starting catcher Ray Toto.

“Pat was great today. He’s one of the kids who hasn’t had the opportunities he deserves,” said Mason coach Bill Brown. “When he’s had opportunities, he has been very good. It was good to see him play well today, and he’ll continue to do so.”

Freshman reliever Mark Maksimow was able to come in and earn the win, tallying up four strikeouts alongside two hits in his three innings of work.

“It was nice to finally be able to throw my curveball for strikes,” said Maksimow, who has appeared in 15 games, solidifying himself as a reliable option for Coach Brown. “I was able to just keep them off balance.”

With a possible 11-game losing streak on the line, Maksimow was able to come in and keep his team in the game, coming from behind and leading the Patriots back into the win column.

“Mark’s been fantastic. He’s been solid for us, and he’s been consistent for us,” Brown said. “He handled the moment today, and that’s huge.”

Montefusco had a great game as well, racking up two hits while pitching a strong six innings. During his time on the mound, Montefusco gave up just two runs on four hits while successfully shutting down the dangerous Tiger offense.

The Patriots are back in action in Sunday’s rubber match against Towson at 1 p.m. at Spuhler Field.