SCHENECTADY, NY – Niagara broke through with a three-run eighth inning to rally late past Siena Baseball 3-2 in the series opener at the Central Park A Diamond.
 
Siena (6-12, 2-5) was on the positive side of a pitchers' duel through the first seven innings courtesy of a season-best performance from Tyler Sausville. The Saints ace went the first seven, scattering three singles and two walks while striking out five.
 
Siena claimed the lead with a two-run third, courtesy of an Aidan Paradine home run. The teams combined for just eight hits in the well-pitched performance, the other seven of which were all singles. Matt Thorsen was the lone player to register a multi-hit performance with a pair of singles to go along with a stolen base.
 
But consecutive one-out hit batsmen followed by a walk set Niagara (6-10, 2-2) up in the decisive eighth. Tyler Vivacqua knotted the score with a two-run single, while Curtis McKay provided the game-deciding swing with a sacrifice fly.
 
The Saints attempted to rally in the bottom of the ninth with two on and one out, but a lineout double play quelled the rally.
 
Due to the inclement weather forecast for Sunday, the teams will now complete the series Saturday with doubleheader action beginning at noon back in Schenectady.