NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. - Five Purple Eagles had multiple-hit games and Niagara scored a run in six of the eight innings en route to a 12-5 victory over Cleveland State (12-16) on Wednesday in non-league action at Sal Maglie Stadium. Niagara (14-17) hit two home runs and collected 17 hits on the afternoon.

Harrison Harber (Kanata, Ont.) went 4-for-5 at the plate with two runs scored, while classmate Chris Leendertse (Ancaster, Ont.) collected three hits. Freshman Jonny Smith (Niagara Falls, N.Y.) recorded a career-high three hits, adding a pair of runs and RBIs in the win.

The afternoon also saw a stellar start on the mound for the Purple Eagles, as Michael Kellar (Colifax, Ill.) improved to 2-2, scattering seven hits and two earned runs in five innings.

"It all starts on the mound," Niagara head coach Chris Chernisky said. "Michael gave us a solid five innings of work enabling us to play our game."

Andrew Macdonald (Charrlottetown, P.E.I.), Tim Alberts (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) and Steve Baldinelli (Niagara Falls, Ont.) joined Smith in the multiple-RBI club on the day, each picking up two. Clint Elkins (Kansas City, Mo.) lead the squad with three RBIs in the victory.

Alberts and Baldinelli each hit long home runs. Alberts crushed a solo shot in the third inning, while Baldinelli lined a two-run long ball to right field in the sixth. NU plated five runs, three unearned in the fifth inning to put the game away.

"We really needed to get the bats going today, and we came through with runners on base," Chernisky added. "Even though we weren't clean on the defensive side, Andrew came through with a couple of nice fielding plays to stabilize the team on the defensive side of the ball."

Niagara hosts a three-game set with MAAC opponent Saint Peter's this weekend. First pitch of Saturday's doubleheader is at noon.