NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – A five-run sixth inning propelled the Niagara University baseball team (20-22, 12-7) to an 8-1 win over Marist College (20-26, 13-8) Monday at Bobo Field. The win moved the Purple Eagles into a tie for second place in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings.

Niagara took an early 1-0 lead when sophomore Andrew MacNevin (St Catherines, P.E.I.) hit a double to left center in the second inning, scoring sophomore catcher Mike Medici (Latham, N.Y.).

The following inning, after junior Vince Ircandia (Calgary, Alb.) opened with a single to second base and moved into scoring position after a Matt Schaefer (Clifton Park, N.Y.) sacrifice bunt, sophomore Paul Solini (Liverpool, N.Y.) drove a single to left, scoring Ircandia. For Solini, who hit the game-tying home run in the Purple Eagles last game, it was his fourth RBI of the three-game series.

With the score, 3-1, in favor of Niagara heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, sophomore Jeff Vincent (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) hit a bases-clearing single to left, scoring two runs for the Purple Eagles. Ircandia, the following batter, then hit a three-run home run to left field, giving Niagara an 8-1 lead. The home run was Ircandia’s fourth of the season.

Remaining unbeaten (3-0) this season was sophomore pitcher James Avery (Moose Jaw, Sask.). The right-hander went eight-and-one-third innings, giving up seven hits and a walk, while striking out eight.

Niagara, which is tied with Siena for second in the MAAC, returns to action Tuesday when it hosts Youngstown State (14-26) at Bobo Field. Game time is set for 3 p.m.