Former George Mason outfielder Scott Krieger hit more home runs in school history than any other player and it hasn't taken him long to make his mark in professional baseball. On Sunday, in just his fifth professional game, Krieger hit three home runs for the Helena Brewers in a 15-10 win over Missoula. Batting third in the order, he drove in six runs going 3 for 5 on the day. In the third, he hit a grand slam and he followed that with solo homers in the fourth and fifth. Krieger currently leads Helena in homers (four), RBI (11), total bases (22), runs (seven) and slugging percentage (.917). He is batting .333 with a .360 on-base percentage and a 1.277 OPS.
Krieger isn't the only former player who has been making an impression in his first season of professional ball. Former pitcher Mike Modica has appeared in three games and he has yet to allow a run. In his first appearance for the Tri-City Valley Cats, against Vermont, he did not allow a base runner in two innings while striking out one. In his second appearance, against Lowell, he allowed just one walk with three strikeouts in two innings. In his third appearance, again against Lowell, he allowed one hit with one strikeout in one and one-third innings.
Other players in the first year of their professional career have had some highs and lows. Chris Henderson had two hits and four runs in his debut for the Arizona League Dodgers while Justin Bour homered in his second professional game for the Arizona League Cubs. Shawn Griffith had a pair of strikeouts in his first inning of work for the Gulf Coast Blue Jays. Jordan Flasher has not yet pitched for the Gulf Coast Red Sox.
Two other Mason players are also playing professionally. Jason Bour, Justin's brother, is batting .273 for the Sarasota Reds. He has two homers, six doubles, 12 RBI, 11 runs scored and has been a regular fixture in the lineup in June. Robby Jacobsen is playing for the Hagerstown Suns and he is batting .262 with one homer, 13 doubles, 14 RBI and 28 runs scored. He is batting .303 over the past 10 games.