Bulldogs drop both ends of Friday doubleheader

UNION, N.J. – The Bryant University baseball team dropped both ends of Friday's doubleheader to NJIT at Hynes Stadium.

With the two losses, the Bulldogs fall to 20-18 overall and 9-8 in America East play. 

Game Information
NJIT 4, Bryant 3
NJIT 4, Bryant 3
Records: Bryant 20-18, 9-8 | NJIT 18-22, 8-6
Location: Hynes Stadium (Union, N.J.)
W|L|S: Vurpillat | Jeter
W|L|S: Jenkins | Wainer

Key Moments

• NJIT won the game on a walk-off home run in the bottom of the eighth.    
• The Highlanders won game two with a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth.

How it Happened (Game 1)

• NJIT built a 3-0 lead with a two-run double in the first and on a wild pitch in the second.
• Bryant got back in the game as Carmine Petosa hit a two-run home run.
• The Bulldogs then tied the game on a long home run from Matt Smith.
• The game remained tied until Ray Ortiz led of the eighth with an opposite field home run to right.  

Inside the Box Score (Game 1)

• Brett Wichrowski allowed three runs (two earned) on just two hits in 3.0 innings. He walked three and struck out five.
• Chase Jeter delivered sterling relief before the home run in the eighth. He allowed the lone run on two hits, didn't walk a batter and struck out three.
• Jake Gustin finished with two hits.
• Petosa had two hits, including a two-run home run.
• Matt Smith hit his first home run of the year. 

How it Happened (Game 2)

• Derek Smith got Bryant on the board in the first inning with an opposite field two-run home run.
• Petosa made it 3-0 with a sac fly to right.
• The Highlanders were able to tie the game with two runs in the fourth and one in the fifth. In the fourth, a pair of HBPs loaded the bases before a sac fly and wild pitch scored two. A solo home run tied the game in the fifth.  
• It remained tied until the ninth when a leadoff single got things started for NJIT. After a sac bunt a fly out, a bloop single to left won the game.

Inside the Box Score (Game 2)

• Coleman Picard was brilliant in a 3.0 inning start. He allowed just one hit, walked one and struck out five.
• Mark Scamardella allowed three runs on three hits in 1.2 innings of relief.
• Austin Wainer was great in relief, allowing one run on three hits over 4.0 innings. He struck out a career-high seven.
• Derek Smith homered.
• Petosa picked up two hits and drove in a run. 

Game Notes

• Gustin extended his on-base streak to 17 games and his hitting streak to 14 games.
• Smith's home run in game two tied him for the team lead with eight.
• Smith now leads the team with 15 multi-hit games this year and has reached safely in 17 straight.
• Petosa's home run was his fourth of the year. He has hit three of his four against NJIT.
• Wainer set a new career high with seven strikeouts.

Up Next
Bryant and NJIT are scheduled to wrap up their series on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.