CULLOWHEE, N.C. – The Purple Eagles (0-3) were defeated by Western Carolina (3-0), 18-6, in game three of the teams' four-game series on Saturday.
Game Recap
- Dawson Bailey hit a lead-off homerun in the top of the first inning to give the Purple Eagles a quick lead over the Catamounts. RBI singles from Cole O'Connor and Eli Selby put NU ahead, 3-0, after the top half of the first frame.
- The Catamounts scored four runs in the bottom of the first to take a one-run lead, 4-3.
- Western Carolina added three runs in the bottom of the second to extend its lead, 6-3.
- Selby hit a lead-off single to right field in the fourth inning, followed by a single up the middle from Wyatt Palmer. A two-RBI triple from Bailey scored both Selby and Palmer to leave Niagara trailing by just one run once again, 6-5.
- The Catamounts scored two runs in both the fifth and sixth innings, however, to get ahead of NU by five, 10-5. Western Carolina then scored eight runs in the bottom of the eighth to lead the Purple Eagles, 18-5.
- Spencer Marcus was walked to lead off the ninth inning, and then advanced to second base on a wild pitch. Bailey reached base on a fielder's choice, giving Marcus enough time to score, but the Purple Eagles were not able to overcome the Catamounts as they fell to WCU, 18-6.
Eagle's Eye On
- Bailey and Selby led the Purple Eagles in hits with two each. They were the first hits of Selby's collegiate career and both of Bailey's hits were for extra bases.
- Bailey had a team-high four RBIs. Selby and O'Connor each had one RBI.
- Evan Wilde (0-1) struck out seven and gave up five hits and seven earned runs in 5.0 innings pitched.
Up Next
- Niagara closes out its series with the Catamounts on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 1:00 p.m.
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