Wichrowski, Bulldogs blank CCSU on Saturday

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Brett Wichrowski tossed 6.0 scoreless innings and the Bryant University baseball team hit three home runs as the Bulldogs defeated Central Connecticut, 8-0, on Saturday afternoon at Conaty Park.

With the victory, the Bulldogs improve to 24-23 overall and 14-9 in the Northeast Conference. The victory also secured the series win for the Black and Gold as they pulled even with the Blue Devils for second place in the league standings. Bryant also pulled within a game of first place LIU.

Wichrowski enjoyed his best start as a collegian, scattering four hits over 6.0 scoreless. He walked five and struck out three on the afternoon. Kyle Rizy earned his first collegiate save with 3.0 scoreless innings of relief. He didn't allow a hit, walked one and struck out two.

Offensively, Bryant hit three home runs for the second-straight game. Jake Gustin, Alex Lane and Randy Carlo all homered for the Black and Gold. Derek Smith had a big day as well, going 3-for-3 with a triple, three runs scored and his 13th stolen base of the year.

Game Information
Bryant 8, Central Connecticut 0
Records: Bryant 24-23, 14-9 NEC | CCSU 24-15, 14-9 NEC
Location: Conaty Park (Smithfield, R.I.)
W|L|S: Brett Wichrowski (2-1) | Vincent Spizzoucco (5-2) | Kyle Rizy (1)

Key Moment

• Bryant jumped on CCSU early as Gustin and Lane hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the first.  

How it Happened

• Gustin battled in his first at-bat of the game, eventually getting a 3-2 fastball that he deposited over the right field wall for his third home run of the year. Lane then hit the very next pitch to dead center for his NEC-leading 12th home run of the year. Shane Kelly made it a three-run first as he scored Smith with a double to left center.
• Bryant extended its lead in the third as Smith tripled and scored on a sac fly from Kelly.
• Carlo made it 5-0 in the fourth as he led off the inning with a high fly ball that cleared the ball in right center.
• The Bulldogs added a trio of two-out runs in the seventh. Carmine Petosa singled up the middle on an 0-2 pitch to bring in the first run, Jackson Phinney delivered an RBI single to left and John Tuccillo closed the inning with an pinch-hit RBI single through the left side.

Stats and Game Notes

• Bryant has won 3-of-5 meetings between the two teams this year.
• The Bulldogs and Blue Devils are now tied for second place in the NEC standings.
• Wichrowski scattered four hits over 6.0 scoreless innings. He walked five and struck out three.
• Wichrowski improved to 2-1 on the year with the longest outing of his career.
• Rizy earned the save with 3.0 scoreless innings of relief. He didn't surrender a hit, walked one and struck out two.
• Rizy has now tossed 8.0 shutout innings over his last four outings.   
• Smith finished 3-for-3 with a triple and three runs scored. He also stole his 13th base of the year.
• Petosa posted a pair of hits and drove in a run.
• Gustin hit his third home run of the season.
• Lane hit his 12th home run of the season. The 12 home runs are tied for the second-most in a single season in DI program history. He's tied with Matt Albanese and Jimmy Titus. 
• Matt Woods clubbed his team-leading 17th double of the year.
• Carlo hit his third home run of the year and his first at Conaty Park.

Up Next
Bryant and Central Connecticut wrap up their series on Sunday afternoon with a 1:00 p.m. first pitch.