FOREST CITY, N.C. - The Niagara baseball team (0-4) dropped a 13-4 non-conference tilt to Appalachian State on Friday. The Purple Eagles collected six hits but struck out 17 times in the loss.

Senior shortstop Jason Cramer belted his second home run of the season, a solo shot in the second inning. He also scored on a wild pitch in the three-run eighth inning.

Senior designated hitter Timothy Cozier added a two-run single in the eighth inning, plating outfielders Cam Stykemain and Stephen Smith. Stykemain also doubled to leadoff the contest, and after stealing third base, was left stranded.

Senior right-hander Marcus Spaulding fell to 0-2 on the season, allowing 10 runs, seven earned, in five innings of work. He ran into trouble in the five-run second inning, allowing five runs on five hits and two costly errors.

The Purple Eagles return to the diamond to face Garnder Webb on Saturday at 5 p.m.