Petosa delivers walk-off as Bryant downs Wagner, 9-8

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Derek Smith tied the game and Carmine Petosa delivered a walk-off double as the Bryant University baseball team rallied in the bottom of the ninth to earn an 9-8 victory over Wagner College on Thursday afternoon at Conaty Park. 

With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 26-24 overall and 16-9 in the Northeast Conference. Bryant remains in second place in the NEC standings, one game behind LIU and one game ahead of Central Connecticut.

Thursday featured several momentum swings as Wagner held a 4-1 lead before Bryant scored six-straight runs to take a 7-4 lead into the ninth. The Seahawks, however, scored four times in the ninth to take an 8-7. lead. Bryant had an answer as Smith scored pinch-runner Matt Smith with a double and Petosa followed with a walk-off double. Petosa finished 2-for-2 with three walks, two RBI and three runs scored, while Smith went 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Freshman Randy Carlo chipped in three RBI. 

We are TIED!

Smitty brings home Smitty with a double inside the third base bag. pic.twitter.com/EYcewYHGoH

— Bryant Baseball (@_BryantBaseball) May 19, 2022

BULLDOGS WIN!

Carmine Petosa drills one to left center and Smitty scores from second as the Bulldogs walk it off to win the series opener! pic.twitter.com/HqoCZQZLsp

— Bryant Baseball (@_BryantBaseball) May 19, 2022

Christian Allegretti earned his fourth win of the year with 4.0 innings of relief. He allowed four runs on five hits, didn't walk a batter and struck out four.  

Game Information
Bryant 9, Wagner 8
Records: Bryant 26-24, 16-9 NEC | Wagner 16-33, 11-14 NEC
Location: Conaty Park (Smithfield, R.I.)
W|L|S: Christian Allegretti (4-2) | Nick LePre (0-1)

Key Moment

• Derek Smith and Petosa hit back-to-back doubles in the bottom of the ninth to give the Bulldogs a 9-8 victory.     

How it Happened

• Petosa gave Bryant the lead with a long solo home run in the second inning.
• The Seahawks responded by scoring four times on five hits in the third. Maimu Kobayashi tied the game with a single through the left side and a fielder's choice allowed the second run to score. Griffin Selby and Cody Bey brought home the final two runs with RBI singles.
• Carlo brought the Bulldogs within a run in the fourth as he laced a 3-2 pitch into left center for a two-out, two-run double.
• The Bulldogs grabbed the lead with two runs in the sixth. Bryant loaded the bases with two hit batters and a walk and Carlo tied the game with a fielder's choice. Logan Allen then hit a hard ground ball to short that took a wild hop past the shortstop to give Bryant a 5-4 lead.
• Bryant added to its lead with two more runs in the seventh. Smith singled to center to bring home Jake Gustin. A double play ball brought home the second run.
• Wagner rallied with two outs and the bases empty in the ninth. An HBP extended the game and back-to-back singles made it 7-5. Dante Faicchio then hit a three-run home run to make it 8-7. 
• In the bottom of the ninth, Alex Lane fell behind 0-2 but worked the count full before drawing a walk. Matt Smith pinch ran and advanced to second on an errant pickoff throw. Derek Smith then doubled inside the third base bag to score Smith and tie the game. Petosa then ripped an 0-1 pitch to deep left center for a walk-off double.  

Stats and Game Notes

• Bryant owns a 36-15 lead in the all-time series between the two teams.
• The Bulldogs are now 14-4 at home this season.
• Carlo drove in a career-high three runs. He collected his second double of the year.
• Petosa finished 2-for-2 with a home run and three walks. He scored three runs and drove in two.
• The home run was the fifth of the year for Petosa.
• Petosa now has given the Bulldogs the lead in the eighth inning or later twice in the last four games.
• Derek Smith finished with two hits, two RBI and two runs scored. 
• Collin Lowe allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits, didn't walk a batter and struck out six over 5.0 innings.
• Allegretti earned the win with 4.0 innings of relief. He allowed four runs on five hits and didn't walk a batter.   

Up Next
Bryant and Wagner continue their series on Friday afternoon. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m.