May 16, 2006
Final Stats
Niagara sophomore Tim Alberts led off the seventh inning with a solo home run that sailed over the left field fence, igniting a five-run seventh inning for the Purple Eagles (24-23, 14-10) who captured a 9-4 victory over the Siena Saints (22-29-1, 11-13) at a rain-saturated Siena Field Tuesday afternoon. The loss further marginalizes the Saints' chances of reaching the 2006 MAAC Tournament.
The Purple Eagles took an early two-run lead in the first inning following an Andrew MacNevin sacrifice fly which scored teammate Jeff Vincent who had advanced to third base on a Mike Alati single. Alati later scored in the inning following a throwing error.
After posting three scoreless innings, the Saints rallied in the fourth when sophomore Rick Seltzer hit an RBI single to center field, which scored senior Scott King from second base. The run sliced the Purple Eagles' lead to 2-1.
The Saints took the lead in the home half of the sixth inning when, following a Jacob Willis sacrifice fly to right field which scored Matt Gidaly, senior Gabe Perez scored on a wild pitch by Wilson who was attempting to intentionally walk Seltzer. The errant throw gave the Saints a 3-2 lead. Klepps gave the Saints a 4-2 lead in the following at bat when he singled to left field, scoring King who moved to third following the throwing error.
Alberts' homer in the seventh was not only the first of his collegiate career, but it cut the deficit to 4-3. After a Paul Solini double and sacrifice bunt by Brian Clifford, sophomore Chris Leendertse singled to right field, driving in Solini. Leendertse's RBI tied the game, 4-4, and prompted Siena head coach Tony Rossi to bring in Kevin Snyder in relief. After a Dan Parsons single to load the bases, Snyder walked home Jeff Vincent, which gave the Purple Eagles a one-run lead, 5-4. Snyder later hit senior Mike Medici that forced home another Niagara run, as the Purple Eagles rounded out a five-run seventh.
On the mound for the Saints junior James Pacifico was credited the loss, pitching six innings and allowing six hits and six runs; five of which were earned. Pacifico faced a total of 24 batters, struck out four and retired 14-straight from the second inning to the seventh. Counterpart Mark Wilson started the game for Niagara, retiring the first 10 batters he faced. Wilson ran into trouble later and senior Kyle Nicoletta picked up the victory in relief for the Purple Eagles pitching two and two third innings of hitless ball.
After Nicoletta retired the Saints in order in the eighth, Niagara tacked on an additional two runs in the ninth off RBI singles from Vincent and Alati as Siena freshman J.J. Potrikus entered the game in relief of Snyder.
The Saints now welcome the Fairfield Stags to Loudonville on Thursday for a doubleheader beginning at noon. The Saints will complete the series the following day at noon as well, while also honoring their departing seniors as part of Senior Day.
