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Bulls Win Extra-Inning Affair With Canisius, 4-3

Tony Fuller

Canisius got on the board with a run in the first inning, but UB starter Jeffery Hains (Mexico, NY/Mexico) pitched out of further trouble by recording a strike out with the bases loaded. Canisius would add another run in the top of the third inning.

The Bulls (12-28) picked up a run in the bottom of the fourth as Brad Agustin (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville East) scored on a ground out by James Piazza (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville North). However, Canisius would regain its two-run advantage with one run in the top of the fifth.

The Bulls mounted a two-out comeback in their half of the fifth as Adam Skonieczki (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott) hit a triple to right field and was driven in on a single from Bobby Pizzuto (Mentor, OH/Notre Dame Cathedral).

Bobby Pizzuto

UB then tied up the game in the bottom of the sixth inning as Chris Ciesla (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott) scored on a ground out from Rick Oliveri (Tonawanda, NY/Canisius). The game, which was originally scheduled for seven innings, then remained tied until the bottom of the tenth inning when UB came through with the game-winning hit.

Junior Nick Walczak (Tonawanda, NY/Kenmore East) led off the inning with a single through the right side and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. Freshman Shivam Bhan (Calden, Ontario/Mayfield) then moved Walczak to third as he hit a single up the middle. Oliveri then walked to set up the bases loaded for Fuller, who drilled the pitch into center field, driving in Walczak as the winning run.

Jeffery Hains

Hains went 6.1 innings as he allowed three runs and struck out five, while picking up a no decision. Sophomore Dan Francis (East Amherst, NY/Clarence) came on in relief and picked up the win as he pitched 3.2 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits.

Pizzuto had another big game from the plate, going 3-for-5 as he hit in the leadoff spot for the first time all year. Pizzuto is currently riding a nine-game hit streak.

The Bulls remain home this weekend as they begin a three-game set with Miami (OH), who is currently leading the MAC East. Friday’s game is set for 3:00 pm, while both Saturday and Sunday’s games will have 1:00 pm starts.