NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, NY - A true pitcher's duel turned into a tense, defensive battle that stretched into extra innings, but the Rider baseball team ultimately came up just short in a 1-0 walk-off loss to Niagara on Sunday afternoon. The Broncs fall to 25-16 (17-7 MAAC), while Niagara improves to 22-16-1 (17-7 MAAC).
Clayton Poliey set the tone early in a true pitcher's duel, striking out four of the first seven batters he faced as both starters kept the offenses quiet throughout the game.
Niagara threatened in the fifth, putting two on with two outs, but
Kyle Neri delivered a laser to the plate to cut down the runner and keep the game scoreless.
Rider would then have chance in the sixth when
Anthony Paskell reached on a two-out bunt single, and
Charley Magoulick followed with a base hit deep to right. Paskell raced home on the play but was thrown out at the plate.
Matt Leahy sparked the Broncs in the eighth with a leadoff single, but Rider couldn't capitalize as the deadlock continued.
The Purple Eagles loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom half of the eighth, but Magoulick came through in the clutch, fielding a scortched hit ball and stepping on the bag himself to end the threat.
The battle pushed into extras, where the Broncs put the go-ahead run in scoring position in the tenth but were unable to break through.
In the bottom of the inning, Niagara used a one-out single and a stolen base to set up another chance. A base hit to center followed, and Anthony's Paskell's throw home gave the Broncs a chance to extend the game but the runner beat it by inches as the Purple Eagles escaped with a 1-0 walk-off.
Quotes and Notes
"A great baseball game. A lot of opportunities on both sides.
Our defense was outstanding. Especially our outfielders.
We just couldn't push a run across. Came up short. Our best days are still ahead of us."
- Acting Head Coach Dr. Barry Davis
- Aiello was tagged with the loss, dropping to 8-2 on the season.
- Niagara handed Rider its first MAAC series loss of the year and also marked the first time the Broncs were held scoreless this season.
- Poliey turned in a season-high six strikeouts in the outing.
Broncs by the Numbers
- Rider totaled seven hits in the game. Gallagher, Paskell, and Leahy each finished with two hits, while Magoulick added one.
- Poliey started and went 6.0 innings, allowing five hits and no runs while striking out six.
- Aiello worked 3.2 innings in relief, giving up six hits and one run while striking out one.
Up Next
The Broncs return to action on May 6 when they travel to Rutgers for a midweek non-conference matchup.
First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.
