NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – The Purple Eagles begin a seven-game homestand to end the season with a doubleheader against local rival Buffalo on Wednesday at Amherst Audubon Stadium.
 
The last time these two teams met, Niagara (15-25) took both games of the double-billing, defeating Buffalo (12-27) 9-6 in the opener and 12-5 in the second game.  Eric Hink went 6-for-8 at the plate with four RBIs on the afternoon.  Both NU starters, Tyler Spear and Anthony Caringi earned wins.
 
The Purple Eagles enter the matchup with six starters averaging over .290 at the plate, including three over .330.  Hink and Ryan McCauley lead the team with .371 and .375 averages, respectively.  As a team, NU ranks 40^th in the nation in batting average and 30^th in slugging percentage.  Individually, McCauley ranks fifth in slugging percentage and eighth in total bases. 
 
Since losing to Niagara, Buffalo is on a 2-5 stretch, winning 2-of-3 against Miami (OH).  Matt Pollock is Buffalo’s main offensive threat, leading the team with his .365 average and eight home runs on the season.  Tom Murphy has a slight edge in RBIs, collecting 38 so far in 2012. 
 
First pitch on Tuesday is at 3 p.m.