James Kingsley

BUFFALO, NY ­ Buffalo (11-25) scored at least one run in every offensive inning and pounded out a season-high 23 hits en route to a 17-14 victory over Niagara (17-18) at Amherst Audubon Field on Thursday afternoon. Every batter in the UB lineup collected at least one hit and all but one Buffalo hitter had at least one RBI.

James Kingsley (Medina, NY/Medina) had a big day for the Bulls as he went 3-for-5 and drove in five runs, three of which came on his first career home run. Joe Mihalics (Tonawanda, NY/Timon/St. Jude) had four hits, three runs, three RBIs and was a double shy of hitting for the cycle. Phil Vanhorne (Scarborough, Ontario/Mother Teresa) also collected four hits and crossed the plate three times.

After Buffalo established a 12-5 lead in the fifth inning, Niagara rallied and eventually tied the contest, 13-13, in the top of the seventh. Andrew MacNevin sparked Niagara's rally with a three-run home run in the sixth inning. It was the first of two home runs for MacNevin. The Purple Eagles had four home runs on the afternoon.

Kevin Nesteruk (Cheektowaga, NY/West Seneca East) doubled to score Brandon DiCesare (Rochester, NY/McQuaid Jesuit) for the go-ahead run in the bottom of the seventh. Andrew Wengert (Utica, NY/Proctor) followed with an RBI single that gave the Bulls a 15-13 lead. Mihalics launched a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to extend UB's lead to 17-13. MacNevin led off the top of the ninth inning with a solo shot that made the score 17-14. MacNevin finished with a game-high six RBIs.

It was a record-breaking day for DiCesare as the UB catcher ripped his 37th career double, in the fourth inning, to give him the school record for doubles in a career.

James Mantzanis (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville South) earned his first career win, in relief, as he allowed two earned runs on two hits and struck out five over three innings. Chris Cerchie was charged with the loss for Niagara.

It was the Bulls' third consecutive win and marked the third straight game that Buffalo reached double figures in the run column. UB swept a doubleheader from Canisius, 19-1 and 11-7, on Wednesday.