FAIRFAX, Va. (Interstat) — Jake Butler went 3 for 4 with two runs batted in and Owen Clyne added a two-run double as George Mason defeated Richmond 11-6 on Friday afternoon in an Atlantic 10 matchup.

The Patriots improved to 29-25 overall while the Spiders fell to 33-24. George Mason took the lead in the first inning and never trailed, capitalizing on four Richmond errors to score five unearned runs.

Richmond starter Jackson Hinchliffe worked three innings, allowing two earned runs on zero hits, but was plagued by defensive miscues. The Spiders committed three errors in the first three innings, handing George Mason a 5-0 lead after three frames.

Richmond answered in the top of the fourth. Carson Winebrenner singled and RJ Johnson followed with a two-run home run deep to center field, cutting the deficit to 5-2. But George Mason broke the game open in the bottom half of the inning.

The Patriots sent 12 batters to the plate in the fourth, scoring five runs on four hits and taking advantage of another Richmond error. Clyne’s double to right field drove in two runs, and Butler added an RBI single. By the time the inning ended, George Mason led 10-2.

The Patriots added another run in the fifth on Butler’s single up the middle that scored Clyne, making it 11-2.

Richmond made a late push in the seventh. Diego Cardenas, who started on the mound for George Mason, had allowed seven hits and four earned runs over 6⅓ innings with six strikeouts. After Cardenas departed, the Spiders loaded the bases. A hit-by-pitch to Jacob Schaller forced in a run, and a walk to pinch-hitter Joe Recio brought home another. A sacrifice fly by Cameron Downs scored Johnson, and a single by Noah Aidan plated Schaller, cutting the lead to 11-6.

But George Mason’s bullpen held. Brandon Hsu recorded the final two outs of the seventh inning, allowing one hit. Owen Stewart worked two scoreless innings, striking out two and giving up two hits to close the game.

For Richmond, Bijan Anvar pitched three hitless innings of relief, striking out three. Johnson was 1 for 3 with the homer and two RBIs. Winebrenner had two hits and scored twice. The Spiders managed 10 hits but left eight runners on base.

George Mason’s Julius Bagnerise went 2 for 4 with a double and two RBIs. Clyne finished 2 for 5 with two RBIs. Butler drove in two runs and scored once. The Patriots collected 13 hits and stole two bases.

The game featured four errors, three by Richmond and one by George Mason. Both defenses turned one double play. George Mason pitchers struck out nine Richmond batters, while Richmond pitchers struck out five.

The victory gave George Mason its second win in the last three meetings between the teams. Richmond had won the previous two matchups earlier this season, taking games by scores of 4-2 and 11-3 before dropping a 7-5 decision on April 12.

Both teams continue conference play this weekend, with George Mason traveling to Saint Joseph’s and Richmond hosting VCU. The Spiders entered the game having won four of their previous five Atlantic 10 series, while the Patriots had dropped two of their last three league series.