Purdue Tops Niagara 6-4 In Series Opener
 
HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. — The Niagara Purple Eagles dropped their fourth straight game to open the season, falling 6-4 to undefeated Purdue on Friday at Ting Stadium.
 
How it Happened
Niagara (0-4) struggled early as starting pitcher Gage Wheaton allowed five runs in just 2.1 innings, walking six batters and hitting three more. The Purple Eagles found themselves in a 5-3 hole after three innings that they couldn't overcome despite a late rally.
 
Curtis McKay led Niagara's offense, going 2-for-4 with a double and driving in two runs. Nate Milk also had a productive day at the plate, collecting two hits including a double and knocking in two runs for the Purple Eagles.
 
CJ Hurley provided solid relief for Niagara, allowing just one run over 3.2 innings of work, while Andrew Damiani pitched two scoreless frames to keep the game within reach.
 
The Purple Eagles generated some momentum in the seventh inning when they scored two runs to cut Purdue's lead to 6-4, but Avery Cook shut down Niagara's offense over the final 1.1 innings to earn his third save of the season for the Boilermakers (5-0).
 
Niagara Notes
• Friday was the first meeting all-time between Niagara and Purdue.
• The Purple and White recorded season-highs in runs scored and doubles with four and two, respectively.
• Milk had a season-high five at-bats and two hits, his third career two-hit game.
• Niagara has recorded two or more extra base hits in two of its first five games.
 
Up Next
Niagara will look to bounce back in the second game of the four-game series against Purdue on Saturday.