BASEBALL FALLS TO NICHOLLS 4-3 IN OPENER

February 27, 2010

BRYANT BASEBALL FALLS TO NICHOLLS STATE 4-3 IN OPENER

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THIBODAUX, La. -  The Bryant University baseball team finally opened its 2010 season Saturday but the Bulldogs dropped a tough 4-3 decision to Nicholls State at the 2010 Big Boy tournament presented by Hampton Inn.  After rain pushed Friday's opener back a day, the Bulldogs got a strong start on the mound from senior right hander Eric Polvani (Wallingford, Conn.). 

Polvani allowed just one run on three hits through the first four innings before the Colonels tacked on three unearned runs in the fifth to make it 4-0. Polvani got the first two Nicholls batters to pop out to start the inning, but a bunt single followed by a throwing error and wild pitch helped the hosts stretch their lead.

Bryant would finally get on the board in the top of the sixth as David Solitis (Planville, Conn.) belted a one-out home run to left-center.  Dylan Stone (Portsmouth, R.I.) would follow with a single and came around to score on a double to left by Nick Campbell (Raynham, Mass.).  Campbell would move up to third but Nicholls starter Jarret Dunnam would get out of the inning getting Jordan English (Windsor Locks, Conn.) to ground out.

The Bulldogs would get within a run in ninth as English would score on a throwing error by the Colonels but that would be as close as the Bulldogs would get.  Campbell had a pair of hits for the Bulldogs at the plate while Polvani allowed just one earned run on seven hits through eight innings of work, striking out three and walking none. 

Bryant will face Houston Baptist Saturday afternoon and close out the tournament against Tennessee-Martin Sunday at 11 a.m.