Freshman Andrew MacDonald had two of Niagara's three hits vs. Buffalo Tuesday.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Buffalo’s Anthony Marchioli threw a three-hitter to lead the Bulls baseball team to a 5-2 non-conference win over Niagara University Tuesday afternoon at Amherst Audubon Field.

Reigning Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week and Niagara Athlete of the Week Andrew MacDonald had two of the three hits for the Purple Eagles and was 2 for 4 with two RBI. Junior Mike Alati had the squad’s other hit.

Niagara (20-26 overall) scored first when freshman Chris Leendertse was hit by a pitch to lead off the top of the third inning, took second on a sacrifice bunt, third on a groundout and scored on an infield single by MacDonald.

Buffalo (16-30-1) answered in the bottom of the third as Andy Wengert and Mike Connelly each drew lead-off walks. With two outs, Joe Mihalics had a double that scored both runners and gave UB a 2-1 lead.

In the fourth, junior Andrew MacNevin reached on a walk and Alati singled to right field, but Marchioli strike out the side to end Niagara’s scoring threat.

David Amaro tripled to right center with one out in the fourth and after a strikeout, Wengert blooped a single to right field to give UB a two-run cushion.

Niagara scored its final run in the fifth when Leendertse reached on an error, went to second with a walk and third when junior Dan Parsons was hit by a pitch. Leendertse then scored on a MacDonald fielder’s choice.

Freshman Mark Wilson took the loss on the mound, throwing three innings and giving up three hits, two runs, two earned runs, three walks and striking out four.

The Purple Eagles return action Thursday when they begin their final three-game series of the season with a noon doubleheader at the Demske Sports Complex vs. Little Three rival Canisius.