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Baseball Weekly Release

Eric Flynn

Three-Run Eighth Not Enough Against Niagara

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. Sophomore Eric Flynn (Niagara Falls, NY/Niagara Falls) drove in two runs in the bottom of the third inning to give the Bulls the lead, doubling in to right field. Niagara then scored six unanswered runs heading in to the eighth inning, giving UB slim chances for a comeback. Sophomore Steve Geltz (Ransomville, NY/Wilson) assured the possibility by striking out seven batters in 2.1 innings of relief, but the Bulls were able to get just one runner on base in the bottom of the ninth.

Steve Geltz

Bulls Win Weekend Series vs. Western Michigan

UB charged into Friday’s series opener against Western Michigan with hopes of taking at least two of three, therefore gaining crucial ground in the Mid-American Conference East Division rankings. After 12 innings of play Friday, the Bulls prevailed with a game-winning RBI off the bat of junior Mike Folli (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott). Folli was one of eight Bulls to combine for a season-high 18 hits, along with sophomore Chris Ciesla (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott), who hammered two doubles on four hits.

With the weather looking gloomy, both teams decided to play a doubleheader Saturday instead of playing one game on Sunday. UB stole the show once again, earning a 3-1 decision in the first game. Junior Mark Tournageau (Oakville, Ontario/Queen Elizabeth Park) pitched six strong innings, allowing only four hits and striking out eight. The second and final game went to the Broncos after the Bulls came back from a 6-2 defecit in the fourth inning. Flynn provided the pop, batting in three runs, while Mike Folli went 3-for-4 with two doubles. The final score was 7-6 in WMU’s favor.

Adam Skonieczki

Fabulous Freshmen

Freshmen Adam Skonieczki (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott) and Bobby Pizzuto (Mentor, OH/Notre Dame Cathedral) broke out the sticks this weekend, helping the Bulls to their two victories this past weekend. Skonieczki hit .533 on the week, including a duo of three-hit games vs. WMU. He led the team with eight hits and five runs scored. Pizzuto also posted a three-hit game, but had his seven-game hitting streak snapped in the second game of the WMU series. Pizzuto hit .438 on seven hits and posted three runs batted in.

Geltz Wins MAC East Pitcher of the Week

UB right-hander Steve Geltz was named MAC East Division Pitcher of the Week, as voted upon by the Mid-American Conference Monday morning. Geltz made two relief appearances on the week, picking up the save in UB’s 3-1 win over Western Michigan. In just five innings of work, Geltz struck out nine batters, while walking just one. He also allowed only three hits and no earned runs. In his 2.1 innings of work against Niagara, Geltz struck out all seven batters faced. For the week, opponents hit just .176 off of him.

On Deck

With weather conditions looking to spoil Tuesday’s game against St. Bonaventure, the Bulls will look ahead to Ohio this weekend in a three-game series. Official notice on Tuesday’s game will be announced later this week.