Panthers Drop 8-3 Decision to Niagara
5/4/2005
Pittsburgh returns to Big East action this weekend as they travel to Boston College for a three-game series against the Eagles.
Niagara Box Score (May 4)
PITTSBURGH - The Panthers offense had just six hits against Niagara pitching as they fell 8-3 to the Purple Eagles on Wednesday afternoon at Sal Maglie Stadium. Pittsburgh drops to 22-16 overall as Niagara improves to 17-22 on the year.
Both teams remained scoreless until the bottom of the third inning when the Purple Eagles took a 2-0 lead. Niagara?s Jeff Vincent got things started as he doubled to plate the first run the game. A single off the bat of Andrew MacDonald also knocked in a run.
The Purple Eagles scored an additional six runs off of Pittsburgh hurler Mike Bassage, who came in for starter Paul Nardozzi, in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Despite their ninth inning rally efforts, Pitt was only able to score three runs in top of the inning as Niagara went on to win it 8-3. After both Edgard Sucre and Mike Zambriczki were walked, David Cline lined a triple to left field scoring two runs. Cline eventually scored on a Justin Cicatello sacrifice fly to center field.
Niagara?s Paul Solini, MacDonald and Vincent each had two hits for the Purple Eagles in the win.
Ryan Virtue, who improves his record to 1-2 on the season, pitched 5.1 innings for Niagara while giving up Pittsburgh?s only six hits and three runs of the game.
Pittsburgh?s Nardozzi suffered the loss on the mound for the Panthers. Nardozzi, who gave up only two of Niagara's eight runs, now holds a record of 3-5 on the year.
Pitt?s Ben Copeland and Jimmy Mayer each had two hits for Pittsburgh?s offense.
The Panthers travel to Boston College this weekend for a three-game Big East contest. Pitt will face the Eagles in a doubleheader on Saturday and wrap up the series with a single game on Sunday.
NOTES: Pittsburgh?s David Cline picked up his 4th triple on the year and Jimmy Mayer stole his 8th base of the season?Pitt had just six hits in comparison to Niagara?s eleven hits and committed one costly error in the game.