Hamden, Conn. — Niagara baseball scored in the first inning and rallied for two more in the eighth but could not overcome a three-run fifth inning by Quinnipiac, falling 4-3 in a MAAC contest Saturday at QU Baseball Field.

The Purple Eagles fell to 11-13, 7-5 MAAC, while the Bobcats improved to 13-16, 6-6 MAAC.

Niagara continued their early offense and jumped on the board immediately in the top of the first. Jacob Brooks led off with a double down the right-field line. Noah Konings followed with a groundout to third base, scoring Brooks for a 1-0 lead.

Quinnipiac struck back in the bottom half of the second. Brendan Edvardsen singled to left, and Cole Constable reached on an error that allowed Edvardsen to score, tying the game at 1-1.

After two scoreless innings by Purple Eagles starter Gage Wheaton, Quinnipiac took the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Irizarry doubled down the right-field line to score Smith, making it 2-1. Wheaton intentionally walked Marino to load the bases, but was relieved by Johnny Montgomery, who allowed a run-scoring single to Vancas, pushing the lead to 3-1. Montgomery then walked Constable to force in the inning's third run, making it 4-1. Luke Glenn came on and got Williamson on a fielder's choice to end the inning.

Jack Dickinson came in to start the sixth and threw two scoreless innings only allowing two hits.

Niagara tried to mount a comeback, plating two runs in the top of the eighth with Brooks grounding out to score Jason Green and Elijah Hammill grounding out to plate Nick Cote, but were unable to complete the comeback. Rece Allensworth came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth allowing no hits.

Game Notes

Niagara is now 19-17 all-time against Quinnipiac

Brooks recorded two base knocks for the second time this series

Dickinson struck out a season-high four batters

McKay is on a five-game hitting streak

Up Next

Niagara heads back into non-conference play for a midweek contest against Mercyhurst Tuesday April 7 at 2:00 pm in Erie, Pa.