Mattison, Rodriguez recognized by Perfect Game

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant Baseball senior Tyler Mattison and freshman Damaurys Rodriguez have been recognized as the preseason Northeast Conference Pitcher of the Year and Rookie of the Year, respectively, by Perfect Game.

In addition, Mattison was one of five Bulldogs listed on the Perfect Game Preseason All-NEC team. He was joined by graduate students Liam McGill and James Ciliento, senior Shane Kelly and junior Jake Gustin.

Mattison enters his fourth year with the Black and Gold with a 14-6 career record. He made four starts in a shortened 2020 season after going 9-1 with a 3.47 ERA as a sophomore in 2019.

Rodriguez enjoyed a standout career at Wilson High School in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania. He was a two-time all-league selection, hitting .312 with a .450 career OBP.

Ciliento and Kelly make two of three outfield spots on the preseason team. One of Bryant's captains, Ciliento returned for a final season with the Bulldogs. He's posted 188 hits, 39 doubles, 16 home runs, 119 RBI, 142 runs scored and 26 stolen bases in 164 career games. Ciliento was off to a hot start in 2020, driving in 14 RBI and stealing 10 bases.

Kelly was also off to a hot start in 2020, hitting .328 with three doubles, two triples, two home runs and nine RBI. He enters the year with 18 doubles, 11 home runs and a .392 OBP in 101 career games.

Gustin emerged as an anchor in the Bryant lineup last spring, batting .321 with seven doubles, eight RBI, 10 runs scored and eight stolen bases in 15 games.

McGill joins the Bulldogs after a decorated career at Columbia. A Wakefield, Rhode Island, native, McGill was a three-time All-Ivy selection for the Lions. McGill appeared in 136 games, hitting .316 with 164 hits, 30 doubles, 14 home runs, 83 RBI and 85 runs scored.

Bryant is scheduled to open its 2021 season on Feb. 19 with a three-game series at High Point.