DAVIDSON, S.C. - The Niagara baseball team opened up the 2008 season with a wild double-header split on Saturday at Davidson.

The Purple Eagles blew a five-run lead in the bottom of the ninth of the first game, dropping a 15-14 contest, but bounced back with a 13-1 decision to win the second game. In all, the Purple Eagles totaled 27 runs on 29 hits with 19 walks and eight hit by pitches. All nine starters recorded a hit in both contests.

Dan Morari (Saskatoon, Sask.) made an impressive Purple Eagle debut, pitching six innings of one-hit ball to earn the win in the second game. The left-hander gave up just a third-inning double and struck out nine while walking only one.

"After givning up a lead like we did in the first game, I felt like our team bounced back well in the second game," Niagara head coach Chris Chernisky. "Our offense continued to click and Dan was peppering the glove on the mound. His performance was terrific."

Harrison Harber (Kanata, Ont.) finsihed the day 5-for-10 with five RBIs, while freshman Jonathan Smith (Niagara Falls, N.Y.) went 4-for-9 with three runs and two RBIs in his collegiate debut.

Davidson 15, Niagara 14
Despite holding a five-run lead in the ninth inning, the Purple Eagles allowed six runs, one unearned, to drop a 15-14 game to open the season. Niagara managed 17 hits, 14 runs, 11 RBIs and 10 walks in the loss.

Sophomore Geoff Strong (Welland, Ont.) allowed three runs on one hit to earn the loss. Senior Mark Wilson (Peterborough, Ont.) got the opening day start and pitched four innings, allowing two runs on four hits.

On the offensive side of the ball, senior Tim Alberts (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) and Harber each scored three runs in the loss. Alberts reached base six times in seven plate appearances.

Niagara 13, Davidson 1
Morari went six innings to earn the win in his Niagara debut, striking out nine batters. Matt Campanella (Middlesex, N.J.) pitched the final inning of the seven run contest.

Steve Baldinelli (Niagara Falls, Ont.) went 2-for-2 with three runs and three RBIs, including a two-run home run in the first inning. Niagara scored five runs in the first and six innings.