Bryant takes opener from LIU on windy Friday

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Tyler Mattison and Kevin Gould combined to allow just one hit as the Bryant University baseball team defeated Long Island University, 4-2, on Friday afternoon at Conaty Park.

Mattison allowed just one hit over 7.0 innings to improve to 7-2, while Gould tossed 2.0 scoreless to earn his third save.

Damaurys Rodriguez extended his hitting streak to 18 games with a key two-run double in the sixth, while Jake Gustin and Liam McGill each scored a pair of runs.

Game Information
Bryant 4, Long Island 2
Records: Bryant (18-10-1, 14-2 NEC), LIU (13-10, 11-8 NEC)
Location: Conaty Park (Smithfield, R.I.)
W|L|S: Tyler Mattison (7-2) | Jackson Svete (1-4) | Kevin Gould (3)

Key Moment

• Clinging to a 2-1 lead in the sixth, Rodriguez ripped a 1-2 pitch into right center for a two-run double.            

How it Happened

• Bryant got on the board with a run in the first. Back-to-back two outs walks set the stage and Ciliento singled up the middle to make it 1-0.
• Gustin extended Bryant's lead to 2-0 with a long solo shot to right field in the third. It was his sixth home run of the year.
• The Sharks cut the deficit in half in the top of the fourth. Cade Biddle walked, stole second and scored on a two-out single to left from Giovanni Ciaccio. Bryant stopped the threat there as they nabbed the runner at third on a good relay.
• It remained 2-1 until Rodriguez struck in the sixth. Gustin and McGill walked to open the inning before the next two Bulldogs were retired. Rodriguez then got two strikes on him before hitting a slicing drive to right center for a two-run double, making it 4-1.
• LIU made it 4-2 with an unearned run in the seventh. Giaccio walked, stole second and advanced to third as the throw went into center. He then scored on a ground out.   

Stats

• Bryant and LIU combined for just five hits.
• Mattison allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit over 7.0 innings. He walked four and struck out eight.
• Gustin homered and scored twice.
• McGill finished with three walks and scored twice.
• Rodriguez doubled and drove in two.
• Gould walked one and struck out one over 2.0 scoreless innings.

Game Notes

• Ciliento now has 231 career hits.
• Gustin has now reached safely in 19-straight games.
• Rodriguez extended his hitting streak to 18 games.
• Mattison earned his 21st victory.
• Mattison is now 15-2 in 22 career appearances (19 starts) in NEC regular-season play.
• Mattison has tossed 7.0 innings or more in each of his last four starts.
• Gould earned his third save of the year.

Up Next

The Bulldogs and Sharks continue their series on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.