Baseball Swings Into Play

By Broadside Staff Writer Danny Uscinski

The George Mason University baseball team will open their season on Feb. 22 against the College of Charleston. Looking to improve on their fifth place finish in the Colonial Athletic Association last year, the Patriots are stronger than ever.

The Patriots lost three players from last year’s roster, but they were substantial losses. All three players - Chris Fournier, Jason Bour and J.J. Pannell - signed at last year’s Major League Baseball draft.

The Patriots recruited Ryan Soares, a transfer from the University of South Florida, to play second base and are moving second year outfielder, Chris Henderson, behind the plate as their everyday catcher. Also look for freshmen Shane Davis and Jeremy Haas to get some playing time.

Returning to the mound this year are pitchers Dan Jaycox, Mike Modica, Jordan Flasher and Dan Gerjets.

The pitching staff will work to improve on last year’s overall ERA.

Setting the benchmark last season with 14 saves and a 2.84 ERA, Jordan “The Flash” Flasher returns in his closer's role.

“It’s great having someone like him at the end of a tight game. Being able to come out there and throw the ball in the low 90s will always give us an opportunity to win games,” said assistant coach Steve Hay.

On the offensive side, where the Patriots set a record last year for overall batting average at .317, Scott Krieger is leading the way. Krieger was named third team All-American last year thanks to his 20 home runs and .365 average.

Also returning to the lineup is sophomore Justin Bour who ended last year with 13 home runs and a .366 average.

“Even though we lost two good hitters in the middle of our order, look for us to put some runs on the board with all the returning bats we have in our lineup,” said Hay about his offense.

With hitters like Bour, Krieger, Henderson and Wiggins, the Patriots will have a formidable offense with the ability to hit the long ball.

“Obviously, we are hoping to play good all-around baseball,” Hay said. “Day in and day out, our defense will be good; we are hoping to emphasize that and play good steady defense.”

With a strong core of pitchers returning from last season, the Patriots hope to limit opponent’s runs and capitalize in tight games with Flasher.

Last year ended with disappointment as Patriots lost to Delaware in the CAA tournament. Finishing fifth overall in the CAA is the main focus for the Patriots to improve on this season.

“At least third this season, that is what we are hoping for,” Hay said.

With teams like Old Dominion University and Virginia Commonwealth University, this CAA season will be as competitive as ever. The Patriots will have their first home game on March 4 against George Washington University.