VCU Defeats George Mason, 3-1 :: The Patriots' loss gives VCU a series sweep.

May 5, 2003

Richmond, VA-- Nick Jones delivered a two-out, two-run single in the bottom of the fifth inning to break a 1-1 tie, and lift Virginia Commonwealth to a 3-1 win over George Mason Monday afternoon at The Diamond. The win gave VCU a sweep of the three-game series over the Patriots.

Jeff Parrish got the scoring started for the Rams in the bottom of the fourth. With one out, Parrish launched a solo homer to left, his third of the season. It was also the Rams' first hit off George Mason starter Jake Glanzmann.

George Mason evened the score in the top of the fifth. With two outs, catcher Robby Jacobsen doubled to left off VCU starter Matt Prendergast, and scored on a base hit to center by Jimmy Freund.

With one out in the bottom of the fifth, Justin Mattison walked, and advanced to third on a double to left by Anthony Granato. After Glanzmann fanned Jose Pabon on a 3-2 pitch, Jones delivered his game-winning two-run hit to center.

Prendergast pitched the first six innings and allowed four hits and one run, striking out five, to improve to 6-0 on the season. VCU right-hander Cla Meredith tossed the final three innings to pick up his fifth save of the season.

With the win, VCU improves to 37-11 overall, 17-3 in CAA games, and clinches the No. 1 seed in the upcoming CAA tournament (May 20-24) in Manteo, N.C. George Mason falls to 27-18 overall, 9-8 in the CAA. The Patriots will be idle for the next 10 days as they take an exam break, returning to action against Liberty on Thursday, May 15, at 3 p.m. at Raymond H. "Hap" Spuhler Field.