HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. — Niagara's early-season struggles continued Sunday as the Purple Eagles fell 11-1 to undefeated Purdue at Ting Stadium, dropping their seventh straight game to open the 2025 campaign.
How it Happened
Niagara (0-7) managed just four hits against five Purdue pitchers while striking out 16 times. The Purple Eagles' lone run came in the fourth inning when
Nate Milk scored after reaching on a single.
Starting pitcher
Nate Bennett (0-2) kept Niagara in the game early, allowing just two runs over 4 2/3 innings while striking out five. However, the Purple Eagles' bullpen faltered in the sixth inning when Purdue broke the game open with seven runs.
Elijha Hammill,
Nate Milk,
Rees Kozar and
Shawn Cameron each collected one hit for Niagara. Hammill and
Curtis McKay both stole bases for the Purple Eagles.
The Purple Eagles used six pitchers in total, with
Andrew Damiani,
Carter Fink,
Jack Dickinson,
Ethan McNish-Heider and
Carmen Panaro following Bennett. They combined to allow nine runs over the final 3.1 innings.
Niagara Notes
• Niagara's 0-7 start to the season is its worst since beginning the 2019 1-6 overall.
• The Purple Eagles recorded four hits, its fourth game this season with four or less hits.
• It is the fourth time this season Niagara has been held to one or fewer runs.
Up Next
Niagara will travel to Valparaiso, Indiana for a three-game set with Valpo Friday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, March 2.
