Cynthia Herrick Photography
Cynthia Herrick Photography

Bryant wins NEC opener, 12-3, over CCSU

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Senior Steve Theetge (Syracuse, N.Y.) tossed six scoreless innings and the Bryant University baseball team erupted for 11 runs in its final two at-bats on its way to a 12-3 victory over Central Connecticut on Saturday afternoon at Conaty Park.  

Leading 1-0, the Bulldogs (11-8, 1-0 NEC) scored six times in the seventh and five times in the eighth to win the series opener with the Blue Devils.

Theetge tossed six scoreless innings for the second-straight start to earn his third win of the year and the 26th of his career. He allowed just one hit, walked three and struck out seven.

All nine starters registered a hit, while redshirt sophomore Ryan Ward (Millbury, Mass.), redshirt sophomore Jimmy Titus (Stafford, Conn.), junior Chris Wright (Cumberland, R.I.), sophomore Sam Owens (Scituate, R.I.), freshman Jake Gustin (Peabody, Mass.) and senior Nick Angelini (Bedford, N.H.) all had two hits. Owens, Gustin, Angelini and senior Tyler Panno (Rivervale, N.J.), Bryant's 6-9 hitters, combined to score eight runs.

Game Information
Bryant 12, Central Connecticut 3
Records: Bryant (11-8, 1-0 NEC), Central Connecticut (7-6, 0-1 NEC)
Location: Conaty Park (Smithfield, R.I.)
W|L|S: Steve Theetge (3-1) | Tom Curtin (2-1)

Coach Owens' Comments

"The conditions were awful for both teams. I thought Steve pitched awesome again. He did a really good job of getting us off to a good start. All nine of our starters got hits which was great. We were able to put together a big inning when we needed to in order to save our bullpen. Our defense was very good today. We handled the conditions, didn't' give up free bases, got two bunts down and ran the bases well."

Key Moments

  • CCSU opened the sixth inning with its only hit off of Theetge but Panno was able to snare a line drive and turn it into a double play.
  • In the seventh, Bryant posted four-straight hits to bring home four runs to highlight a six-run inning.       

How it Happened

  • The Bulldogs grabbed the early lead thanks to hustle on the bases. Owens legged out an infield single and then stole second with two outs. Angelini followed with a two-out single to center.
  • Wright opened the seventh with a wind-aided double down the left field line and came around to score on a single from Gustin. After a walk loaded the bases, Panno roped a two-run single to right center. Junior James Ciliento (Mahwah, N.J.) followed with a bunt single for an RBI, Ward doubled home a run and Titus capped the inning with an RBI single.
  • In the eighth, Gustin doubled and Angelini scored him with a triple to dead center. A wild pitch scored Angelini and Titus drove in two more with a double before a sac fly closed the scoring.
  • CCSU plated its only three runs in the ninth on a two-out error and a single.     

Stats

  • Bryant outhit CCSU, 15-2.
  • Theetge allowed just one hit, walked three and struck out seven.
  • Senior Nathan Wrighter (Windsor, N.Y.) pitched a perfect seventh.
  • Junior Jack Ipsen (Eatontown, N.J.) struck out two in a scoreless eighth.
  • Ciliento drove in a run and scored twice.
  • Ward went 2-for-4 with a double, RBI and a run scored.
  • Titus had two hits and three RBI.
  • Wright doubled, drove in a run and scored a run.
  • Owens went 2-for-5 with two runs scored.
  • Gustin went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.
  • Angelini went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored.
  • Panno had two RBI and two runs scored.    

Notes and Notables

  • Bryant improved to 33-10 all-time against Central Connecticut.
  • Theetge has now allowed just one unearned run over his last three starts (20 innings).
  • Theetge improved to 19-1 in 22 career regular-season starts against NEC teams.
  • Theetge's 26 career victories are now tied with James Karinchak for third in DI program history.
  • Titus has now driven in 10 runs in two games this week.
  • Ward has hit safely in eight-straight games and has 17 hits during the streak.
  • Panno now has 19 multi-RBI games in his career.
  • Wright now leads the team with seven doubles on the year.
  • Angelini has now had a hit and a run scored in each of Bryant's last five games.
  • Angelini's triple was the 10th of his career. He's third in DI program history in triples.

Up Next

Bryant and Central Connecticut wrap up their series with a doubleheader on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.