Bryant Tops Baseball in Series Opener

The Central Connecticut baseball dropped to 21-20 overall and 10-11 in Northeast Conference play with a 5-3 loss to Bryant University in the weekend series opener on Friday afternoon in New Britain.  The Bulldogs are now 30-14-1 overall and 17-4 in league action.

The Blue Devils struck first in the bottom of the second inning.  Senior Mike Washburn doubled to lead off the inning and went to third on a sacrifice bunt.  He scored on a two-out infield single from senior Nick Palmisano to give the Blue Devils the 1-0 lead.

The Bulldogs tied it in the top of the third on a solo home run from A.J. Zarozny. 

Central took the lead again in the bottom of the third.  Junior Dylan DelaCruz singled to lead off the inning and went to second on a sacrifice bunt.  He scored on a double from classmate J.P. Sportman to make it 2-1.  Sportman scored on a double down the right field line from senior Tyler McIntyre.

The Bulldogs cut the lead in half with a run in the top of the fourth.  They tied it with a single run in the seventh inning. 

The visitors took a 4-3 lead in the eighth on an RBi double from Dan St. George.  The third RBi of the game for Zarozny made it 5-3 in the ninth inning.

Sophomore Cody Brown went the first 6.1 innings but did not factor in the decision.  He gave up three runs on five hits while striking out one on the afternoon.

Junior Josh Ingham picked up the loss on the mound in relief, his first loss of the season.  Bryant's Pete Kelich picked up his seventh win on the mound for the Bulldogs.

Washburn had a pair of hits for the Blue Devils.  Palmisano, McIntyre and Sportman each drove in a run.

The Blue Devils and Bulldogs will continue the weekend series on Saturday at 1 p.m. in New Britain.  Fans can listen live HERE.