2016 RussMatt Central Florida Invitational
Bradley 12, Bucknell 4

WINTER HAVEN, FL - Bradley took advantage of an erratic start by Bucknell pitcher Jeff Gottesman to score five runs in the first inning and the Braves (5-6) rode the quick start to a 12-4 win in their opening game of the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational Saturday at Chain of Lakes Park.

After Gottesman (L, 0-2) loaded the bases with one out in the first on two walks and a hit-by-pitch, C Ian Kristan started the scoring with a 2-run single. A third walk loaded the bases again and the Braves capitalized on 2B Allan Beer's sacrifice fly and DH Luke Mangieri's 2-run single for the quick, 5-0 lead.

Bradley starting pitcher Matt Dennis (W, 3-1) gave up four runs on eight hits, but worked into the eighth inning to earn his third consecutive win. Dennis walked one and struck out four. Although he did not qualify for a save, Eric Scheuermann retired Bucknell's final four hitters, two by strikeout.

Freshman CF Andy Shadid finished 2-for-4 with two RBI's, senior RF Brady Wilkin and Kristan both were 2-for-6. Junior 3B Spencer Gaa drew three walks and scored two runs, while junior LF Evan Gruener doubled, walked twice and scored three runs. Junior Carson Weber delivered a pinch-hit, 3-run triple in the ninth inning.

The Bison (5-6) used seven pitchers Saturday, a group that combined for 10 walks, three wild pitches and four hit-by-pitches. Each of the seven pitchers allowed at least one hit, but none more than two.

The two teams will continue their 3-game series with a 3:30 p.m. (CT) game Sunday, followed by Monday's 11:30 a.m. (CT) finale, both at Chain of Lakes Park.