NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, NY - In a battle between the MAAC's top two teams, the Rider baseball team battled back to erase an early deficit, but a late surge by Niagara proved too much as the Broncs fell 12-3 on the road. The Broncs fall to 24-15 (16-6 MAAC), while Niagara improves to 21-15-1 (16-6 MAAC).
Niagara jumped out early, loading the bases in the first and cashing in two runs, but
PJ Craig limited the damage by striking out the final two batters of the frame.
The Purple Eagles added another in the second to extend the lead to 3-0, and the score held until Rider broke through in the sixth.
Anthony Paskell sparked the inning with a leadoff double to left, followed by a
Charley Magoulick single to center to put runners on second and third.
Eliot Medlock then delivered with a base hit up the middle to score Paskell and put the Broncs on the board. After
Peter Crespo drew a walk to load the bases, Niagara went to the bullpen, but Rider capitalized. A wild pitch brought Magoulick home, and
Matt Leahy followed with an RBI groundout to knot the game at 3-3.
Niagara answered back with a solo home run to reclaim a 4-3 edge before breaking the game open with an eight-run sixth inning, pulling away for a 12-3 final.
Quotes and Notes
"We fought our way back into the game after falling behind early, then failed to play the defense we expected. We need to learn from it and get ready to play tomorrow."
- Acting Head Coach Dr. Barry DavisÂ
- Craig was charged with the loss, falling to 5-3 on the season, while Paskell recorded his fourth double of the year.
Broncs by the Numbers
- Rider finished with five hits on the day, led by Magoulick's two-hit performance. Neri, Paskell, and Medlock each added a hit. Leahy and Medlock drove in the Broncs' two runs.
- Out of the bullpen, four Broncs made appearances, with
Christian Aiello,
Jake Dorety,
Alex D'Ambrosio, and
Noah Heath all seeing time on the mound.
Up Next
The Broncs continue the series at Niagara on May 2, with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m.
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