PHILADELPHIA - The Niagara baseball team (4-16) dropped the final game of the Baseball Bash on Sunday, losing 14-7 at La Salle. Freshman Ryan McCauley had a pair of hits, inclduing his second career home run, to go along with three RBIs.

Niagara fell behind 7-1 after two innings before moutning a charge. The Purple Eagles cut the lead to 9-7 in the sixth inning, but the Explorers scored the games final five runs for the win.

"I thought our team played with a ton of heart this weekend," Niagara head coach Rob McCoy said. "The scoreboard has not been a reflection of our effort and intensity lately."

McCauley connected on a two-run homer in the third inning and lined an RBI-double down the left field line in the sixth inning. He finished the afternoon 2-for-4 with two runs and three RBIs.

Senior designated hitter Timothy Cozier recorded a hit in his first three at bats, including a pair of doubles. Junior Cam Stykemain went 3-for-4 on the day, knocking in NU's first run and scoring another.

Senior Dennis Chachko took the loss on the hill, allowing seven runs on six hitsin two innings of work. The right hander fell to 0-2 on the season.

"As we move into conference play," McCoy added, "we will get healthy and look to make a solid run at the tournament."

The Purple Eagles open MAAC action with a doubleheader on Saturday at Rider.