Baseball Preview: Bryant Bulldogs at Rutgers Scarlet Knights

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (Interstat) — The Bryant Bulldogs and Rutgers Scarlet Knights open a three-game weekend series under the lights at Bainton Field on Friday, with both teams looking to build momentum in the early stages of the 2026 college baseball season.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening in chilly conditions, with a game-time forecast of 41 degrees and cloudy skies.

The Scarlet Knights (6-5) enter with a slight edge in record over the Bulldogs (4-5) and will enjoy home-field advantage. Rutgers is coming off a 5-1 midweek victory over Stony Brook on Wednesday, powered by strong relief pitching.

A key performer for Rutgers has been right-hander Andrew Rondini. In his last outing against Stony Brook, he threw three scoreless innings of one-hit ball, striking out four. Over his last three appearances spanning eight innings, he has allowed just one hit and zero earned runs, establishing himself as a reliable arm out of the bullpen.

Bryant arrives after a high-scoring road series at Radford, taking two of three games. The Bulldogs’ offense erupted for 27 runs in the final two games of that set, including a 12-6 win on Sunday.

Leading that charge was first baseman Casey Wensley. In the series finale, he went 4 for 5 with three RBIs. Over his last five games, Wensley is 9 for 22 (.409) with five RBIs, providing a consistent spark in the middle of the Bulldogs’ lineup.

According to Interstat projections, this contest is expected to be close. The game simulator predicts a 6-5 victory for Rutgers, while the ELO rating system gives the Scarlet Knights a 58.5% probability of winning.

The series will continue with games on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at Bainton Field before both teams turn their attention to midweek matchups next Tuesday.