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Niagara University Athletics

Kozar Celebrates Grand Slam vs. Canisius
6
Canisius CAN-BASE 2-13
11
Winner Niagara University NIA 3-13
Canisius CAN-BASE
2-13
6
Final
11
Niagara University NIA
3-13
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Canisius CAN-BASE 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 6 10 2
Niagara University NIA 0 0 2 0 6 0 3 0 X 11 10 0

W: Hurley, CJ (1-0) L: Smith, Brian (0-1)

Game Recap: Baseball |

Niagara Powers Past Canisius 11-6 in Midweek Matchup

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y.— Rees Kozar drove in five runs, including a pivotal three-run homer during a six-run fifth inning, as Niagara University defeated cross-town rival Canisius 11-6 in Tuesday's non-conference baseball matchup at Bobo Field.
 
How it Happened
The Purple Eagles (3-13) used the long ball effectively, with Nate Milk, Kozar, and Jason Green each connecting for home runs. Kozar finished 2-for-3 with a double, home run and five RBIs to power Niagara's offense.
 
CJ Hurley (1-0) earned his first win of the season, throwing three innings of one-run ball in relief. The Niagara pitching staff recorded 10 strikeouts while issuing 11 walks.
 
Niagara broke open a tight game in the fifth inning when Kozar's grand slam pushed their advantage to 6-1. The Purple Eagles added three more runs in the seventh, highlighted by Green's two-run homer and Milk's solo blast.
 
Jacob Brooks contributed significantly with two hits, including a double, and scored twice while also swiping two bases. Carter Aarts added a triple and drove in a run for Niagara.
 
Canisius (2-13) staged a late rally with five runs in the ninth inning, including JC Spinosa's three-run homer, but Niagara was able to hold on. Andrew Marcello led the Golden Griffins with two hits, including a home run and a triple, while driving in a run.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara won its fifth-straight over Canisius and are unbeaten in the last four games played against Canisius at Bobo Field dating back to April of 2022.
• Niagara matched its season-high with 11 runs and three home runs.
• The Purple Eagles 11 walks and six stolen bases were a season-best.
• The Purple Eagle pitching staff punched out seven batters, their 10th game this season with seven or more strikeouts.
• Kozar drove in a career-high five runs.
•  Brooks stole two bags, the most in a game by a Purple Eagle since Nick Groves swiped three bags against Queens on Feb. 25, 2024.
 
Up Next
Niagara will travel to Emmitsburg, Md., for a three-game conference series with Mount St. Mary's beginning on Friday, March 21.
 
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