Preview: Bryant Bulldogs at Rhode Island Rams

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (Interstat) — The Bryant Bulldogs look to continue their winning momentum against the struggling Rhode Island Rams in a non-conference matchup Wednesday at Bill Beck Field.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening. Conditions are expected to be clear and cold, with a game-time temperature near 42 degrees.

Bryant (12-8) enters on a hot streak, having won seven of its last eight games. The Bulldogs’ offense is coming off a 14-11 slugfest win over Sacred Heart on Saturday, powered by first baseman Hudson Story. Story went 3 for 4 with a home run and four RBIs in that victory. For the season, he is batting .250 with two home runs.

Rhode Island (7-15) snapped a four-game skid with a 17-5 road rout of Quinnipiac on Tuesday. Utility player Connor Grotyohann has been a bright spot, contributing both at the plate and on the mound. In the win over Quinnipiac, he pitched two scoreless innings of relief with two strikeouts. This season, he is batting .280 and has not allowed an earned run in 6.1 innings pitched over five relief appearances.

The Rams’ bullpen, featuring Grotyohann, will aim to cool off a Bryant lineup that has averaged 8.6 runs per game during its recent 7-1 stretch. Rhode Island’s staff has an overall ERA of 6.02.

Bryant’s recent success includes series wins over Binghamton and a road victory at Rutgers. Rhode Island took two of three from George Mason last weekend but has yet to find consistent form this season.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Bryant 8, Rhode Island 6.

Following this midweek contest, Bryant opens a three-game home series against NJIT on Friday. Rhode Island begins Atlantic 10 Conference play with a road series at Richmond on Friday.