The 2026 MAAC Baseball Championships concluded with Marist College’s Red Foxes falling 6-2 to Niagara University in the final, ending a season that recorded a 23-28 overall mark and a 17-13 conference slate.
Early Lead and Niagara’s Response
Marist struck first, scoring a run in the top of the first inning, but Niagara answered with two runs in the bottom of the second and added another in the third to take a 3-1 advantage.
Mid‑Game Shifts
The Purple Eagles extended their lead to 4-1 in the fifth, only for the Foxes to chip away with a run in the sixth, narrowing the deficit before Niagara pulled away again.
Key Performances
AJ Brotz contributed two hits and two runs, while Nathan Lincoln, Kyle Pollack and Luke Monico each recorded a single hit. TJ Baer’s RBI groundout was the team’s lone RBI, and Aiden Vargas threw 2.1 innings of relief, allowing four hits, one earned run and striking out two.
Season Summary
Niagara finished the tournament 2-2, advancing to the championship game, whereas Marist closed the year with a 23-28 record. The loss underscored both the team’s early promise and the gaps that remain before a future championship run.