SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant baseball team welcomes Merrimack for Opening Day at Conaty Park on Wednesday, Feb. 26. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday's home opener will mark the earliest home opener in program history. It surpasses last year's Feb. 27 opener vs Stonehill.0

The Particulars
Opponent: Merrimack
Location: Conaty Park (Smithfield, R.I.)
Date and Time: Friday, Feb. 26 - 2:30 PM 
Live Stats: Sidearm
Video: AmericaEast.tv
Game Notes: Bryant
Social Media: Facebook | X | Instagram | #AEBASE  

Bryant vs. Merrimack

• The Bulldogs won all three meetings against Merrimack last year and lead the Division I series, 12-2.
• Bryant rallied from 8-1 down in the seventh to win on a safety squeeze in the first game and then used a Brandyn Durand home run to take the lead in the eighth in the second meeting.
• Bryant earned a 12-2 victory in the third meeting. 

Bulldog Notes and Notables

• Bryant enters its first midweek game with a 2-3 record. The Bulldogs dropped two-of-three at UCF, winning the series finale 5-3. It marked the first win for the University against a Big 12 opponent. 
• Bryant went 19-4 at home last season and is 116-27 (.810) at home over the last seven seasons. The Bulldogs are 319-215 all-time at their current home (since 2000).
• Brandyn Durand was named the America East Player of the Week after going 6-for-10 with four RBI and four runs scored at UCF. His eighth-inning RBI double helped Bryant secure the victory in the series finale.
• Durand is now hitting .471 with nine RBI and six runs scored. He has posted a 1.585 OPS.
• Gavin Noriega has a team-leading three doubles and one of the team's two stolen bases.
• As a team, the Bulldogs have posted eight sac bunts in five games. 
• Bryant's pitching staff has posted a 3.54 ERA through five games, holding opponents to a .212 average.    

Scouting the Warriors

• Merrimack is 1-5 on the year entering Wednesday. The Warriors were swept at Winthrop before losing two-of-three at Wagner last weekend.
• Frankie Ferrentino is hitting .333 with a home run, while Logan Castellano has two home runs and seven RBI.
• Opponents are hitting .339 against Merrimack pitching. The Warriors have allowed 18 doubles and six home runs.