Krieger is the Hit King

By Broadside Sports Editor Brian Chan

Three George Mason University batters recorded three hits apiece as the baseball team (32-8, 12-4) cruised to a 7-2 win over the Hofstra University Pride (6-24, 2-14).

Already leading 1-0, sophomore designated hitter Shane Davis belted his third home run of the season in the second inning, scoring two more runs for Mason. Davis had a strong day on offense as he picked up three hits and recorded four RBIs. Davis fell only a triple shy of hitting for the cycle.

The Pride responded by successfully getting their first two batters on base in the fourth inning. Shortstop Chris Mentrasti singled in left fielder John Kenny from second base to cut Mason’s lead to 3-1. Junior catcher Chris Henderson was a key contributor on defense in that inning as he threw out two baserunners for attempting to steal. All three Pride failed to steal off Henderson in the game.

Senior center fielder Spencer Wiggins led off the fifth inning with a single to right field, stole second base and advanced to third base off Henderson’s single. Senior left fielder Scott Krieger doubled in Wiggins and Mason scored two more runs to extend their lead to 6-1.

Pitcher Ben Reade came in for the final two innings without giving up a run and Mason continued their dominance in the CAA after defeating the Pride 7-2.

Pitcher Kevin Crum (6-3) threw seven strong innings, giving up only two runs while striking out seven batters.

Davis, Henderson and Krieger each had three hits in the game and Wiggins added two for the day.

Mason continues to be dominant at Spuhler Field. Mason is 20-1 at home this season after their 7-2 win.

In his first at-bat on Saturday, senior left fielder Scott Krieger hit his 16th home run of the season and record-breaking 284th career hit as the baseball team (33-8, 13-4) powered their way to a 10-3 win over the Pride (6-25, 2-15).

Krieger entered the day tied with former player Jeff Palumbo with 283 career hits after recording three hits on Friday.

His first-inning home run was his only hit of the game, but in addition to walking twice, Krieger scored three runs.

Junior catcher Chris Henderson recorded four hits, two of which were doubles. Henderson needs two more doubles to match his career high of 20, which he set last season.

Henderson also added two RBIs. He is 7-for-10 in the series, which raises his average to .425.

Senior pitcher Mike Modica (8-1) pitched a complete game, allowing four hits on three runs and striking out eight batters.

In the fifth inning, Modica rung up second baseman Tom Legregni for his sixth strikeout of the game and 200th for his career.

After giving up the game’s first run in the first inning, Modica settled down as the Mason offense supported their ace pitcher. Even though Modica gave up two more runs in the fifth inning, Mason still held a comfortable 7-3 lead.

With 10 games left in the regular seaon, Mason is approaching 40 wins, which they have only achieved once in school history.