NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. - Junior outfielder Matt Wietlispach (Chicago, Ill.) slapped a bases-loaded single through the right side of a drawn-in infield in the ninth inning to give the Niagara baseball team (10-5 MAAC) an 8-7 victory over Iona. With the win, the Purple Eagles earned the series sweep of the Gaels (2-10 MAAC).

Freshman closer Adam Wagner (Defiance, Ohio) entered the ninth inning with runners on first and second in a 7-7 tie and promptly struck out the side to set up the drama in the bottom of the ninth.

Senior Graham Skelhorne-Gross (Mississagua, Ont.) drew a pinch-hit walk to open the ninth inning. Rookie Keith Picconi (Merrick, N.Y.) dropped down a perfect bunt, and beat it out for the infield hit. Senior catcher Matt Lucchesi (San Francisco, Calif.) also squared to bunt, but the Iona pitcher unsuccessfully tried to throw out Skelhorne-Gross at third on the sacrifice, loading the bases for Wietlispach.

"During the course of a season, wins and sweeps are extremely difficult to come by," Niagara head coach Rob McCoy said. "Anytime we can battle like we did (Sunday) for that final game in a sweep is a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of this team."

Senior Alex Otto (Lockport, N.Y.) collected three hits and knocked in three runs in the win. Lucchesi recorded two singles, while six other Purple Eagles picked up a hit in the win.

The Purple Eagles travel to Duquesne on Tuesday for a 4 p.m. start. Following the one-game road trip, NU returns home for five-straight home games.