Wainer fans nine as Bryant takes opener with UML, 6-1

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Austin Wainer matched his career high with nine strikeouts over seven innings of one-run ball as the Bryant baseball team opened its America East series against UMass Lowell with a 6-1 victory on Friday afternoon at Conaty Park.

With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 24-11 overall and 12-1 in the America East. Bryant is now 23-4 in its last 27 games and is now 16-3 at home.

Making what could be the final appearance of his career at Conaty Park, Wainer turned in one of the most dominant outings of his Bryant career. He limited the league's top hitting offense to one run on four hits over a career-high tying 7.0 innings. Wainer didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning and finished with a career-high tying nine strikeouts.

Bryant provided all the offense Wainer would need with four runs in the first two innings. Zac Zyons finished 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored, Jackson Phinney drove in two and Matt Smith had two hits and two RBI.

Game Information
Bryant 6, UMass Lowell 1
Records: Bryant 24-11, 12-1 | UMass Lowell 15-20, 6-6
Location: Conaty Park (Smithfield, R.I.)
W|L|S: Austin Wainer (3-1) | Michael Simes (1-2)

Key Moments

• With a run already across in the first, Smith hit a deep fly ball to right that was initially caught by the right fielder. The impact with the wall, however, knocked the ball free and resulted in a two-run triple for Smith.  

How it Happened

• Bryant got off to a quick start with a three-run first. Zyons hit the first pitch of the game into right for a single and Gavin Noriega followed with a double off the wall in left center. Carmine Petosa brought home Zyons with a ground out for the first run. After a walk, Smith drove a deep fly ball to right that UML's Carlos Martinez nearly caught. He made the grab initially but he crashed into the wall and the ball fell. Smith would end up at third with a two-run triple.
• The Bulldogs added to their lead in the second with a sac fly. Gavin Greger singled and Shea Grady doubled to start the inning and Zyons flew out to left to make it 4-0.    
• Wainer held the Riverhawks hitless until a fifth inning single broke up the no hitter.
• The River Hawks then got on the board in the seventh as Ryan Proto hit the first pitch of the inning for a home run.
• Wainer rebounded to retire the next three River Hawks, ending his outing with his career-high tying nine strikeout.
• Bryant would add two insurance runs in the bottom of the inning as Phinney plated two with a single through the left side.
• Mark Scamardella came on in the eighth and retired all six batters he faced to close out the win.

Inside the Box Score

• Bryant outhit UMass Lowell, 8-4.
• Wainer allowed one run on four hits, walked two and struck out nine over 7.0 innings.
• Scamardella retired all six batters he faced to close the door.
• Zyons finished 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored.
• Smith doubled, tripled and drove in two.
• Noriega picked up a double and scored a run.
• Phinney drove in two and scored a run.
• Grady reached twice with a double and a walk.

Game Notes

• Bryant snapped a six-game losing streak to UMass Lowell with the win. The Bulldogs trail the DI series, 6-5.
• Friday marked Bryant's first win over UMass Lowell since 2016.
• The Bulldogs are now 23-4 after starting the season 1-7.
• Bryant is now 16-3 at home this season.
• Petosa extended his on-base streak to 35 games this season and 38 dating back to last season. It is the longest on-base streak since Chris Wright reached in 42-straight games during the 2019 season.
• Zyons extended his on-base streak to 15 games with his 10^th multi-hit game of the year.
• Smith is now 17-of-35 with five doubles and 17 RBI in his last 10 games
• Wainer matched his career high in both innings pitched (7.0) and strikeouts (9).
• Wainer has now worked at least 6.0 innings in all five of his league starts. He is 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA in five league starts.
• Scamardella has now recorded a scoreless outing in six of his last seven.  

Up Next
Bryant and UMass Lowell continue their weekend series on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.