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Bulls Defeat Niagara In Big Four Classic, 8-4

Bobby Pizzuto

Although playing at Niagara’s home field, the Bulls were the designated home team in the consolation game of the Big Four Classic. In the top of the first inning, Niagara struck for three runs as the Bulls were unable to catch a fly ball to center field, plating three Niagara runs on the UB error.

The Bulls picked up two runs in the bottom of the third inning as junior Tony Fuller (Rochester, NY/Penfield) plated the first run as he scored on an error by the Niagara pitcher, trying to pick off Bobby Pizzuto (Mentor, OH/Notre Dame Cathedral). Pizzuto moved to third on the error and scored on a wild pitch by Niagara starter Dennis Chachko.

Tony Fuller

UB tied the game up in the bottom of the fifth inning as junior Mike Folli (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott) hit a two-out double and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Pizzuto then hit a single up the middle to drive in Folli and tie up the game at three.

The Bulls broke through in the bottom of the sixth inning as Rick Oliveri (Tonawanda, NY/Canisius) hit a two-run single, plating Brad Agustin (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville East) and James Piazza (Amherst, NY/Williamsville North).

Niagara picked up one run in the top of eighth, but was unable to get anymore as sophomore Dan Francis (East Amherst, NY/Clarence) came in and pitched the Bulls out of a jam.

UB plated a three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning as Fuller hit a two-out single through the left side, scoring Agustin from third. After loading the bases, Pizzuto hit a two-run single into center field.

Jeffery Hains

Freshman Jeffery Hains (Mexico, NY/Mexico) got the start for the Bulls and pitched six strong innings, allowing just the three unearned runs in the top of the first inning. The Purple Eagles also managed just three hits against Hains. After Francis was able to hold Niagara in check, sophomore Steve Geltz (Ransomville, NY/Wilson) came in to pitch the ninth inning.

UB assistant coach Jim Koerner was back patroling thrid base just one day after his wife gave birth to their son, Samuel James Koerner.

The Bulls return to conference play this weekend as they host Akron at Amherst Audubon Field. The three-game series begins on Friday at 3:00 pm. Both the Saturday and Sunday contests begin at 1:00 pm.