Rhode Island Lineup
Powell (CF), Gardella (C), Hess (2B), Figueroa (LF), Livingston (DH), Olmo (RF), Corin (1B), O'Neil (3B), Heiss (SS), Wessel (P) 

George Mason Lineup
Smith (2B), Tassone (SS), Blackstone (RF), Popatak (DH), Quinn (1B), Nelin (C), Turner (LF), Hansen (3B), Sturek (CF), Marconi (P)

How it Happened
The Rams (8-11, 2-1) scored their only runs of the game in the top of the first as Jordan Powell, Derek Gardella and Chris Hess reached in back-to-back-to-back at-bats to set up a two-run double by Martin Figueroa. Sacrifice flies by Chase Livingston and Mike Corin then pushed across two more runs to give Rhody an early 4-0 advantage.

George Mason (7-17, 1-2) countered quickly though, cutting the lead in half in the bottom of the frame. However, Ben Wessel went on to retire the next ten batters in a row and did not allow a runner to advance past second base through six innings of work.

Two straight walks, a passed ball and a sac-fly allowed the Patriots to cut it to 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth, but Tyler Barss got an inning-ending strikeout to shut things down with the tying run on second base. Barss came back out for the ninth and needed just 15 pitches to end the game with Rhody on top 4-3.

Inside the Box Score

• Redshirt junior Ben Wessel earned his second win of the season, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits over six innings. He struck out four and walked none.
• Senior Brad Applin came out and kept the Patriots off the board in the bottom of the seventh.
• Redshirt sophomore Andrew Veiga issued back-to-back walks to open the bottom of the eighth and was charged with an unearned run. He was relieved by freshman Mark Silvestri, who retired both hitters he faced before handing the ball to redshirt sophomore Tyler Barss.
• Barss - who ended the eighth with a strikeout, and got two in the ninth - earned his second save of the series and fourth of the season.
• For the weekend, the Rhode Island pitching staff combined for a 1.63 ERA and 31 strikeouts while issuing just nine walks and allowing only 15 hits.
• Redshirt sophomore Chris Hess recorded a game-high three hits, including his second triple of the season. With eight career triples, he is now tied with Steve Cote (1993-96) for the fifth most in program history.
• Junior Martin Figueroa doubled twice, drove in two runs and scored one of his own. He leads the team with 13 extra-base hits, nine doubles and a .533 slugging percentage.
• Sophomore Jordan Powell was walked three times, singled and scored a run. He also had three putouts in centerfield.
• Redshirt senior Derek Gardella also singled and scored a run. Defensively, he recorded his second caught stealing of the season.
• For he game, there were three stolen base attempts -- all of which were unsuccessful. 
• Mason's Brian Marconi was charged with the loss, allowing four runs (all earned) over a 7.0-inning start -- his longest appearance of the season.

Up Next
After opening the season with 19 consecutive road games, the Rams return to Kingston for their home opener against Central Connecticut on Tuesday afternoon. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m.