Ryan deals 7 K's in 3-1 win over the Mount

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Starting pitcher John Michael Ryan (Worcester, Mass.) picked up his fourth win of the season while hurling seven strikeouts in 7.2 innings of work, as the Bryant University baseball team ousted Mount St. Mary's, 3-1, Friday afternoon.

Bryant (14-16, 6-7 NEC) outhit the Mountaineers (12-17, 6-11 NEC), 8-6, with Connor Carignan (Norwich, Conn.) pacing the lineup with a 3-for-4 performance, as six different Bulldogs recorded a hit.         

The Bulldogs jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first, as Carignan connected on a one-out single to centerfield. One batter later, Kevin Brown (Northborough, Mass.) drove Carignan home for the game's first run on a single to the gap in right field.

The visiting Mountaineers would respond with a run of their own in the top half of the second frame, as center fielder Shane Eyler led off the with a solo shot over the left field fence.

Tied at 1-1, Jamie Skagerlind (Holden, Mass.) went yard for the second time this season in the bottom of the second to put the home side back on top, 2-1.

Ryan would continue to mow down the opposing lineup, retiring the side in the third and tossing a mere seven pitchers to retire the side in the fourth. The righty would throw two K's in the top of the fifth and force a groundout to Muscatello to end the inning.

The senior would then escape the sixth by forcing the Mount's Kyle Kane into an inning-ending double play, and retire the side for the fifth-straight frame in the seventh, forcing two quick groundouts and a strikeout.

Holding a 2-1 edge heading into the bottom of the seventh, Joe Carcone (New Hartford, N.Y.) would step to the plate and slap a single through the left side and eventually advance to second on a sacrifice bunt by Tim Norton (Barnstable, Mass.). With one out, Dan Muscatello (Hopkinton, Mass.) would deliver a RBI double to right center, bringing home Carcone for the 3-1 lead.

After dealing arguably his best performance of the season with seven K's and two walks, Ryan would give way to southpaw Mark Andrews (Hillsborough, N.J.) who would force a groundout to end the Mount's threat in the top of the eighth.

Andrews would then pick up his seventh save of the season after recording one strikeout and forcing two groundouts to give the Bulldogs the 3-1 victory.

With the W, Bryant moves to 6-7 in NEC play and 6-3 in games played at home this season. The Bulldogs are now 12-1 this season when holding the opposition to two runs or fewer and 13-6 when scoring at least three runs.

The Bulldogs return to action Saturday afternoon at the Baseball Complex for a twinbill against the Mount. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m., and fans can watch all the action live at www.bryantbulldogs.tv  and follow live stats at www.bryantbulldogs.com.