Bulldogs drop series opener with Virginia Tech

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Senior James Ciliento (Mahwah, N.J.) and junior Nick Viscariello (Plymouth, Mass.) each collected three hits but the Bryant University baseball team dropped its series opener with Virginia Tech, 15-4, Friday afternoon at English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Ballpark.

**Saturday's game between Bryant and Virginia Tech has been moved up to 1:00 p.m. and will no longer air on the ACC Network. It will air on ACC Network Extra.**

Ciliento finished 3-for-4 with a triple and two RBI and Viscariello went 3-for-4 as the Bulldogs collected 10 hits in the contest. Senior Bryan Hart (Franklin, Mass.) added a pair of hits and classmate Gaby Cruz (Miami, Fla.) hit his second home run of the season.

Redshirt freshman Luke Garofalo (Middlefield, Conn.) tossed three scoreless innings of relief for the Black and Gold. He allowed three hits, didn't walk a batter and struck out two.       

Game Information
Virginia Tech 15, Bryant 4
Records: Bryant (2-6), Virginia Tech (4-4)
Location: English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Ballpark
W|L|S: Chris Gerard (1-1) | Tyler Mattison (0-2)

Coach Klosterman's Comments

"Thought that we came out with a good offensive game plan for the first half of the game. A couple of bad decisions led to some big innings. We'll get back after it tomorrow." 

Key Moment

• Kevin Madden capped a four-run first inning for Virginia Tech with a two-run home run to left field.  

How it Happened

• Bryant plated the first run of the game, scoring in the top of the first. Sophomore Matt Woods (Warwick, R.I.) was hit by a pitch with one out, stole second and scored as Ciliento singled through the right side.
• The Hokies responded with four runs in the bottom of the first. Carson Taylor scored the first run as he sinking liner to center alluded the dive of Ciliento, resulting in an RBI triple. Gavin Cross followed with an RBI single and Madden's two-run home run capped the inning.
• Virginia Tech made it 5-1 with a two-out run in the second. A double was followed by a bunt single that was ruled an out but overturned. A double steal then plated the run.
• The Hokies extended the lead in the fourth with three runs. The first run scored as the Bulldogs threw wild on a double play attempt and the second run scored on a misplay with the bases loaded. A hit by pitch with the bases loaded capped the inning.
• Cruz pulled Bryant closer with a two-run home run in the sixth. After a walk, Cruz launched his second home run of the season to left center.
• In the seventh, Woods raced all the way to third as his bunt was throw into the right field corner. Ciliento then drove a triple into the right center gap to score Woods and make it 8-4.
• Virginia Tech put the game away with a seven-run eighth. 

Stats

• Mattison allowed eight runs (six earned) on nine hits, walked two and struck out four over four innings.
• Garofalo followed Mattison and delivered three scoreless innings. He didn't walk a batter, struck out two and allowed just three hits.
• Ciliento went 3-for-4 with a triple and two RBI.
• Viscariello finished 3-for-4.
• Cruz homered and drove in two.
• Hart finished 2-for-4.
• Woods scored a pair of runs.

Notes and Notables

• Bryant is now 6-5 all-time against Virginia Tech.
• Mattison's stretch in which he allowed three runs or less was snapped at 12 on Friday.
• Viscariello posted the second multi-hit game of his career. The three hits are a career high.
• Ciliento has now reached safely in 15-straight games dating back to last season.
• Ciliento registered his third-career triple and the 14th three-hit game of his career.
• Kelly has now reached safely in 10-straight games dating back to last season.
• Cruz now has 12 career home runs.
• The outing was the longest of Garofalo's career.  
• Redshirt freshman Jack Halbruner (Seaville, N.J.) and freshman Sam Sinisgalli (Milford, Conn.) made their collegiate debuts in the eighth inning. 

Up Next

Bryant and Virginia Tech continue their series on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.