Box Score

DAVIDSON, N.C. – The Niagara baseball team started the 2012 season on the right foot as it took the opening game of a three-game tournament, and the season, against the host Davidson Wildcats at Wilson Field on Friday.

Niagara (1-0) was able to pull away from Davidson (0-1) in the fifth inning.  Entering the frame tied at two, Evan Wexler led off the inning with a single to center field, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Thomas Rodrigues, and was brought around to score by a Kevin Paulsen infield single.  Adam Wagner followed up with a double down the left field line and a sacrifice fly by Wynton Bernard scored Paulsen to put Niagara up 4-2. 
 
The Purple Eagles weren’t done yet as Ryan McCauley would come to the plate and hit the first of two home runs on the evening for a 6-2 lead. 
 
“This was a great win for our program today,” head coach Rob McCoy said.  “We’ve been talking a lot about expecting success every time we compete.  These guys are buying in and it shows.”
 
Davidson would threaten in the bottom of the fifth inning with runners on first and second with one out, but Drew Fittry responded by getting two consecutive outs to end the inning on a lineout and a strikeout.
 
The Wildcats were able to score two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning but Connor Sullivan stopped the rally before Davidson could get any closer.  Jordan Schwartz threw two scoreless innings and Niagara put three more runs on the board to come away with a 9-4 victory for its first win on opening day in 11 years.
 
Fittry earned the win and finished the game pitching six innings, allowing two runs on five hits and struck out five.  McCauley led the way for Niagara on offense, going 3-for-4 at the platewith two home runs, three RBIs and scored four of the team’s nine runs. 
 
“Drew gave us a great start and really kept them off balance and out bullpen shut the door,” McCoy said.  “Ryan McCauley’s performance speaks for itself.  He is a special player.”
 
The Purple Eagles are back on the diamond tomorrow when they face Bucknell in the second of three games in the Davidson tournament.  First pitch is at 7 pm.