PREVIEW: Bryant at Marist

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (Interstat) — Bryant and Marist open a doubleheader Friday at James J. McCann Baseball Field, with first pitch scheduled for a chilly, rainy afternoon.

The Bulldogs (26-22) visit the Red Foxes (19-28) in the opener of the twinbill. The forecast calls for 56 degrees and rain.

Bryant enters on a high note after a dominant 11-1 win Tuesday against Stonehill. Pitcher Jackson Vanesko threw two scoreless innings, striking out three while allowing no hits. Shortstop Justin Hackett went 3-for-4 with two RBIs.

Vanesko, a key arm out of the bullpen, will be a player to watch. In his most recent outing, he was sharp. On April 29 against Holy Cross, he allowed one earned run in one inning in a 6-7 loss.

Marist looks to rebound after a 12-7 loss Sunday at Fairfield. Right fielder Chris Diaz provided the offensive spark, going 1-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs.

Diaz has been streaky but productive. Over his last 10 games, he has three home runs and 13 RBIs. He went 2-for-2 with three RBIs in a 12-10 win against Albany on May 5, and 3-for-5 with an RBI in a 10-6 win against Sacred Heart on May 3.

The Red Foxes have struggled for consistency. They were swept in a doubleheader at Fairfield on May 8, losing 4-0 and winning 4-3. Marist has not won consecutive games since taking two of three at Merrimack from April 24-26.

Bryant has been solid against nonconference opponents but dropped three of four at NJIT earlier this month. The Bulldogs defeated Maryland-Baltimore County 4-3 on May 10, but lost the previous two games of that series.

Friday’s opener marks the first of 10 scheduled games for both teams. The doubleheader is critical for positioning as the season nears its stretch run.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-5 Bryant victory. The ELO system gives the Bulldogs a 67.5 percent probability to win.

Bulldogs manager Ryan Klosterman will likely lean on a deep pitching staff that held Stonehill to one run. Marist will counter with a lineup that can erupt, as shown in an 18-3 win at Merrimack on April 25.

First pitch is set for 3 p.m. Game two will follow approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one.