SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Freshman Caden Angelo (Southington, Conn.) recorded a home run, as the UMass Lowell baseball team (13-23) dropped game one, 12-1, versus the Bryant Bulldogs (17-15-1) on Friday afternoon.

"We gave away too many opportunities early defensively and with poor pitch execution," said Head Coach Nick Barese. "We need to reset and come back ready to go tomorrow."

Sophomore Ryan Strand (Goffstown, N.H.) and senior Conor Kelly (Hopkinton, Mass.) each posted one hit, as well. 

The starter on the bump was sophomore Alfred Mucciarone (Franklin, Mass.), throwing 3.0 innings, while adding two strikeouts. Graduate student Kevin Zarnoch Jr. (Boston, Mass.) registered five strikeouts in 3.0 innings pitched. 

After senior Brandon Fish (Londonderry, N.H.) battled the count to walk, the Bulldogs responded with three of their own to take an early lead. The River Hawks threatened in the second with a pair of singles and a walk from freshman Brayden Cali (Taunton, Mass.) to load the bases, but the home side escaped and added one more to make it 4-0 through two.

Mucciarone bounced back in the third with two strikeouts for a 1-2-3 inning. Entering the fourth, Bryant caught fire, posting eight runs to stretch the lead to a 12-0 difference. 

Starting the fifth, Zarnoch struck out the second batter faced before the Bulldogs filled the bags. Zarnoch stayed calm, fanning the next batter and ending the fifth on a flyout to center field to keep the score the same. The following inning, Zarnoch walked the lead off hitter, but then tossed three straight strikeouts, bringing the River Hawks back to the plate. 

Although Angelo smacked a home run to left field to commence the seventh, the River Hawks were unable to drive in any more runs, finalizing the 12-1 outcome. 

The River Hawks return tomorrow, April 19, for a doubleheader against the Bulldogs at Conaty Park. The first pitch is set for 12 p.m. with the second game to follow in Smithfield, R.I.