Box Score

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Niagara University used a rally in the eighth inning to overtake Fairfield University, 9-8, in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) baseball action at Alumni Diamond. Senior Anthony Hajjar went 3-for-5 with a double, two runs scored, and two RBI for the Stags.
 
With his efforts this afternoon, Hajjar moved up Fairfield's career charts in several categories. He surpassed former Stag Mike Pike for third all-time in hits (211) and moved into a tie for sixth all-time in doubles (38) and a tie for fifth in RBI (116). Hajjar also appeared in his 180th career game, making his 179th career start, which are the third-most in program history.
 
Junior Ryan Plourde went 2-for-5 with two RBI, a stolen base, and a run scored while senior Jack Giannini went 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs batted in.
 
Niagara (15-28; 9-9 MAAC) took a 3-0 lead in the top of the third inning on a two-run homer by Ryan McCauley and an RBI double by Jordan Schwartz. Fairfield got two of the runs back in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI singles by Hajjar and Giannini.
 
In the bottom of the fourth inning, Fairfield took advantage of a pair of Niagara errors to push five runs across the plate. With two on and two outs, a double by Plourde cleared the bases and put the Stags on top, 4-3. Hajjar followed with a double to drive in Plourde while rookie Jake Salpietro singled to score Hajjar. Giannini followed with an RBI double to make it 7-3 in favor of the Stags. Fairfield added another run in the bottom of the fifth on a Purple Eagles error for the five-run lead.
 
Niagara chipped at the deficit, scoring twice in the top of the sixth and once in the top of the seventh to pull within 8-6. With two on and two out in the top of the eighth inning, Joel Klock singled to drive in a run and make it 8-7. Schwartz followed with a double to right field to score two runs, including Klock who slid under the tag at the plate, to give Niagara the 9-8 lead.
 
In the bottom of the ninth it looked as though the Stags had something going as Giannini drew a leadoff walk, but reliever Geoff Soja was able to retire the next three batters for his sixth save of the season.
 
Anthony Caringi (2-3) picked up the win for Niagara after allowing an unearned run on one hit with four strikeouts in 4.0 innings of relief. Started Matt Munson went 4.0 innings allowing seven unearned runs on nine hits. Sophomore Ian Tresser took the loss for the Stags after being charged with three runs in the eighth inning. Freshman Aaron Howell received the no-decision after allowing five runs on nine hits with five strikeouts in 5.1 innings.
 
Fairfield (12-25; 4-11 MAAC) returns to action on April 30 at St. John's University followed by a stop at Stony Brook University on May 1.