Junior James Avery threw a four-hitter with 10 strikeouts vs. Marist Friday.

FISHKILL, N.Y. – The Niagara University baseball team (23-27) will have to come out of the losers bracket to capture its first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference title after suffering a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Marist College (31-19) Thursday night at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, N.Y.

With the scored tied 2-2 and one out in the bottom of the ninth, Niagara was called for interference at third base and Marist was awarded the game-winning run.

The Purple Eagles picked up the Red Foxes’ attempt at a suicide squeeze and junior James Avery (Moose Jaw, Sask.) pitched inside to Keith Brachold. Junior Mike Medici (Latham, N.Y./Shaker) then chased Andy Kiriakedes down the third baseline before tossing to junior Andrew MacNevin (St. Catherines, P.E.I.) who tagged Kiriakedes out. The call was then reversed and MacNevin was called for interference.

MacNevin was 2 for 4 with a run and Medici was 2 for 4 with a double. Junior Jeff Vincent collected his eighth double of the season. On the mound, Avery threw a four-hitter with 10 strikeouts over 8.1 innings.

Marist opened the scoring in the bottom of the third when Pat Feeney singled to left field and then scored on a single to right field by Kiriakedes.

Niagara tied the game in the top of the sixth when MacNevin scored on a Marist error. The third baseman singled up the middle, Medici followed with a double down the left field line and freshman Andrew MacDonald (Charlottetown, P.E.I.) was hit to to load the bases.

The Red Foxes took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the eighth when Kiriakedes doubled to right center to score Travis Musolf.

The Purple Eagles scored the tying run in the top of the ninth when senior Reed Eastley (Brandon, Man.) singled up the middle, went to second on a sacrifice bunt by junior Paul Solini (Liverpool, N.Y.) and scored on a double to right field by junior Jeff Vincent (Baldwinsville, N.Y.).

Niagara returns to action Friday when it plays Manhattan College at 11 a.m. The Jaspers lost to Siena College, 5-0.