Three-Run Eighth Not Enough Against Niagara

Eric Flynn drives in two runs

Eric Flynn

BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo baseball team was unable to overcome four defensive errors as it fell to Niagara, 6-5, Tuesday afternoon at Amherst Audubon Field. The Bulls attempted to come back with three runs in the bottom of the eighth, but fell just short. With the loss UB drops to 3-23 on the season and they remain at 2-7 in conference play.

The Bulls got on the board first with two runs in the bottom of the third inning. Bobby Pizzuto (Mentor, OH/Notre Dame Catholic) hit a one-out single and stole second base. Mike Folli (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott) followed that up with a walk. After a UB out, sophomore Eric Flynn (Niagara Falls, NY/Niagara Falls) hit a two-out double to right field, scoring both runners.

Bobby Pizzuto

From there, Niagara went on to score six unanswered runs until UB struck for three in the bottom of the eighth inning. With one out, Adam Skonieczki (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott) hit an infield single. He would come home to score after sophomore Chris Ciesla (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott) hit a two-out triple to the deepest part of the park in center field. Ultimately the Bulls would load the bases with two outs and plate two runners as Brad Agustin (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville East) reached on an error.

Steve Geltz (Ransomville, NY/Wilson) gave UB a flawless ninth inning, striking out the side, but the Bulls were able to get just one runner on base in the bottom of the frame.

Steve Geltz

Sophomore Dan Francis (East Amherst, NY/Clarence) got the start for UB and went 6.2 innings. Geltz, who came on in relief in the seventh inning, allowed just one hit in 2.1 innings and struck out seven batters.

Pizzuto led the way on offense, going 2-for-4 in the game. The triple by Ciesla was the first triple for Buffalo this season as he finished 1-for-4 with a run batted in.

The Bulls remain home this weekend as they welcome in Western Michigan for a three-game series. First pitch on Friday is set for 3:00 pm.

04/10/2007