WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. — Marist scored three runs in the sixth inning to rally past Niagara 4-2 in MAAC baseball action Saturday.
How it Happened
Niagara (2-12, 0-2) jumped to an early lead when
Vincent Mauro singled to left field in the first inning, driving in
Shawn Cameron for a 1-0 advantage. The Purple Eagles extended their lead to 2-0 in the fifth when
Curtis McKay singled through the right side, scoring
Nate Milk.
The Red Foxes (5-11, 3-2) broke through in the sixth inning against Niagara's pitching staff as Steinert doubled to left field, scoring Claiborn to cut the deficit to 2-1. Pollack followed with a single to center field that plated both Steinert and Donahue, giving Marist a 3-2 lead.
Marist added an insurance run in the eighth inning when Steinert's sacrifice bunt scored Donahue for the final 4-2 margin.
Niagara's offense was led by Milk, who went 2-for-5 with a run scored, and McKay, who finished 2-for-4 with an RBI. Despite the strong start, the Purple Eagles couldn't overcome Marist's late rally, leaving nine runners on base throughout the game.
VanDeWate (2-1) earned the win for Marist with two shutout innings of relief, while Orr recorded his first save of the season.
Niagara starter
Gage Wheaton pitched five scoreless before allowing the tying run in the sixth.
Niagara Notes
• Niagara has not dropped its first two league games of a season since 2022.
• The Purple Eagles have scored in the first inning in each of the last four games.
• Wheaton's five strikeouts is a season-high for the sophomore and tied for the most by a Niagara pitcher this season.
• Niagara has recorded seven or more hits in each of the last seven games.
• Milk has reached base safely in eight-straight games.
Up Next
Niagara will look to avoid the sweep on Sunday, March 16. First pitch is set for 12 p.m. in Wappingers Falls.
