A Rivalry Renewed
Mount St. Mary's is heading upstate for a three‑game series against Niagara, a matchup that carries the weight of history and the promise of a turnaround. The first pitch is slated for 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, at a venue that has witnessed countless battles between the two programs.
The Mountaineers arrived in the region fresh off a decisive victory over UMES, a game that showcased the offensive firepower of Alex Mendes and Cameron Biller. Mendes, who went 2‑for‑4 with a double, three runs scored and five RBIs, is now just a handful of stolen bases away from breaking the single‑season record.
Cameron Biller also contributed heavily, delivering four hits, a walk, a run and three RBIs, while Ty Fredo and Christian Bauman each added two RBIs. Pitcher Riley Williams earned his first win of the season, striking out five batters over five innings, a performance that could bolster the team's confidence as they head into the series.
Niagara enters the series with a strong record of 24‑17‑1 overall and a 19‑8 mark in the MAAC, highlighted by victories over Portland, NJIT and St. Bonaventure. The Purple Eagles have dominated the all‑time head‑to‑head slate, holding a 2‑8 record against the Mountaineers, the last encounter ending in an 8‑5 win for Mount St. Mary's in Emmitsburg.
Despite the historic disadvantage, the Mountaineers remain undeterred. Coach Carson Clark and his staff have emphasized discipline and execution, hoping to leverage the recent offensive bursts and solid pitching to close the gap. The series will be a litmus test for a program that has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to translate them into consistent wins.
Fans and alumni will be watching closely, not only for the outcome of the games but also for individual milestones. Alex Mendes' pursuit of the stolen base record adds an extra layer of intrigue, while the performances of Riley Williams and the rest of the pitching staff could define the team's trajectory for the remainder of the season.
Looking Ahead
As the Mountaineers prepare to step onto the field in upstate New York, the stage is set for a compelling chapter in college baseball. Whether the team can rewrite its narrative against Niagara will be answered over the next three days, but the signs point to a fiercely contested series that could reshape perceptions of both programs.