Niagara University’s baseball squad kept its season alive on Tuesday, downing Marist 6-2 in the MAAC Tournament elimination bracket. The victory, played on the Purple Eagles’ home field, preserved their hopes of advancing to the next round.
The game got off to a quiet start, with Marist plating a single run in the top of the first inning after an early error. Niagara answered in the bottom of the second, taking a 2‑1 lead when Matthew Ganschow delivered a sacrifice fly that scored Jason Green, followed by Jacob Brooks’ RBI single that brought home Nick Cote.
The momentum shifted again in the third, as Niagara added another run on a sac fly by Cote, extending the advantage to 3‑1. A fifth‑inning RBI single from Green pushed the lead to 4‑1, but Marist trimmed the gap with a run in the sixth on a fielder’s choice.
Niagara’s offense kept the pressure on, generating a run in the sixth when Rees Kozar singled, and later padding the score in the eighth with an insurance tally from McKay, who recorded his third base knock of the night. The final 6‑2 margin was sealed by a clutch performance from closer Andrew Damiani.
Damiani’s Record‑Breaking Save
Damiani’s 12th save of the season not only secured the win but also broke the Niagara single‑season saves record, underscoring his role as a reliable anchor in the bullpen. His effort was complemented by Shawn Cameron’s steady presence and the consistent hitting streak of Hammill, who extended his multi‑hit run to four games.
The Purple Eagles now turn their attention to a Friday night showdown with Fairfield, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern time. A win would keep their tournament hopes alive and set the stage for a potential rematch later in the week.