KENT, Ohio – The Purple Eagles held the lead for most of the game, but could not hold off a late rally by Kent State as the Golden Flashes came away with a 8-4 win on Tuesday afternoon.
 
Niagara (15-22) jumped out to a three-run lead in the second inning.  Jon Wilson, who went 1-for-3 on the afternoon, hit a two-RBI triple to center field for Niagara first runs of the day.  Joel Klock was next to the plate and followed up with an RBI single through the left side to give NU the 3-0 lead.
 
Kent State (24-16) brought across two runs of their own in the bottom of the second but that is all NU starter Tyler Spear would allow.  Spear was charged with one of the Golden Flash runs and gave up six hits in his five innings of work on his way to a no-decision. 
 
Neither team could score another run until the Purple Eagles extended their lead in the seventh.  Wynton Bernard walked and stole a pair of bases, which ties him for third all-time in stolen bases in a season, and was later brought home on a Jesse Harris single. 
 
For the second time in the game the Golden Flashes responded in their half of the inning, this time putting up three runs, including a two-run home run.  Kent State scored another three runs in the eighth to come away with an 8-4 victory.
 
Both Harris and Kevin Paulsen went 2-for-2 at the plate, with Harris getting an RBI in the seventh.  Anthony Caringi receives the loss out of the bullpen after pitching two complete innings.
 
Niagara is back in action this weekend when its travel to Siena for a three-game series with the doubleheader on Saturday beginning at Noon.