NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – With an exciting 5-4 win in the final game of a three-game series with Manhattan on Sunday, the Purple Eagles baseball team keeps its playoff hopes alive.

"Every game this time of year is a battle," said head coach Rob McCoy. "After two good, close games yesterday, the guys dug deep today and gutted this game out. I'm proud of their grit. We will keep working hard to play well every pitch; in the end, that will pay off."

In the bottom of the ninth inning with the score tied 4-4, the Purple Eagles had the bases loaded when Christian Vangeison was hit by a pitch sending home Hayden Coll for the game-winning run.

Niagara (16-28-1, 11-10 MAAC) maintained a lead for the majority of the game. In the bottom of the second, Greg Rodgers went yard to score the Purple Eagles' first run of the day. With bases loaded, Tanner Kirwer was hit by a pitch, scoring Geoff Seto and advancing Darian Blanks and Julian Gallup. Greg Cullen, who led the team with three hits and two RBIs, then singled to score both Blanks and Gallup and give the Purple Eagles a 4-0 lead over the Jaspers (17-28, 8-10 MAAC).

On the mound, Matt McCuen (4-4) faced 15 batters in his 3.2 innings pitched and earned the win for the Purple Eagles.

Niagara is back in action on Tuesday, May 10 when they take on local rival Buffalo in a doubleheader.

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