BETHESDA, Md. (Interstat) — The George Mason Patriots broke open a tight game with a five-run eighth inning, fueled by Georgetown miscues, to secure a 12-7 victory over the Hoyas on Saturday afternoon and evening at Shirley Povich Field, splitting the weekend series.

The game, which began under afternoon sun and concluded under evening lights, saw the Patriots improve to 6-6, while the Hoyas fell to 9-6.

George Mason starter Logan Rumberg set a dominant tone early. The right-hander, coming off a six-inning no-hit performance against Lehigh on March 1, was nearly untouchable through four innings. He allowed no hits, struck out five and walked two, with both Georgetown runs in the third inning charged to him after he had exited. Connor Peek’s two-run single off reliever Brant Ertel provided the Hoyas’ only early offense, cutting the Patriots’ lead to 2-0.

The Patriots, held in check by Georgetown starter Trajan Lee for five innings, began to extend their lead in the middle frames. Jake Butler launched a solo home run to left-center in the sixth. Later in the inning, Evan Blanchard delivered a two-run single, and Logan Vaughan added an RBI single to push the advantage to 6-2.

The most critical sequence of the game occurred in the top of the eighth with George Mason leading 6-5. The Patriots sent 10 men to the plate against relievers Griffin O’Connor and Camron Poe, scoring five runs, only one of which was earned. The inning featured a key error by Georgetown center fielder Jackson Thomas, a run-scoring sacrifice fly by Julius Bagnerise, an RBI single by Luciano Terilli and a balk that allowed another run to cross. The outburst turned a one-run contest into an 11-5 Patriots lead, effectively deciding the outcome.

Georgetown’s Jackson Thomas provided the primary offensive spark for the Hoyas. His three-run homer to left-center in the sixth inning brought Georgetown back within a run at 6-5. He added an RBI single in the eighth, finishing 2 for 3 with a home run, four RBIs and a sacrifice bunt.

George Mason’s bullpen, after some shaky middle innings, closed the door. Jake Drumm struck out the side in the ninth to seal the win. The Patriots’ offense accumulated 13 hits, with Vaughan collecting three and Terilli, Owen Clyne and Lucas Alberti each adding two. Bagnerise drove in three runs, including two on sacrifice flies.

Georgetown out-hit George Mason 12 to 13 but was undermined by three errors and 12 men left on base. Lee took the loss for the Hoyas, surrendering five earned runs over 5 2/3 innings.

The teams conclude their three-game series on Sunday at George Mason.