Bulls Fall In Big Four Classic Opener To St. Bonaventure

Late rally not enough as UB drops 14-7 decision

Bobby Pizzuto

NIAGARA FALLS, NY – The University at Buffalo baseball team was unable to overcome a slow start, falling by a score of 14-7 to St. Bonaventure, Tuesday night in the opening round of the Big Four Classic. With the loss, UB (7-26) moves into the consolation round of the tournament against the host, Niagara.

St. Bonaventure scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning and another three runs in the bottom of the second to take the early advantage. After a UB run in the top of the fourth, the Bonnies responded with another five runs.

UB picked up another run in the top of the sixth inning, but again St. Bonaventure responded with three runs in the bottom of the frame. The Bulls were able to put up three runs in the top of the eighth and two more in the ninth inning, but ultimately fell after the slow start.

Freshman Bobby Pizzuto (Mentor, OH/Notre Dame Cathedral) led the UB charge with three hits in five at bats. Pizzuto was the only Buffalo player to record multiple hits as the Bulls had seven hits as a team. Pizzuto also had a run batted in the three-run eighth inning.

Joe Welch

With the grueling three-game series against Ohio not far behind, UB was able to give reserves playing time as 14 different players saw action in the game. On the mound, the loss went to Tony Kurtz (Newfane, NY/Newfane). Kurtz pitched 3.2 innings, allowing 10 runs, but just two of those earned. Senior Joe Welch (Endicott, NY/Union-Endciott) saw his first action of the year as he pitched the eighth for UB.

The Bulls and Purple Eagles meet in the consolation game of the Big Four Classic tomorrow at 3:00 pm at Sal Maglie Field.

04/24/2007