Entering Tuesday's opening round game of the Big Four Classic, Niagara was coming off a disappointing three game series sweep by conference rival Rider and was set to face a Canisius team that has garnered national recognition. The Purple Eagles needed a win to gain some momentum heading into the season's final stretch run, and were able to do just that, defeating the Golden Griffins 9-6 at The Demske Sports Complex.

Despite a quick start by Canisius (31-10), Niagara was able to stay in the game and eventually outscore the Griffins in the final five innings.

"We got some big hits, overcame an early deficit, and it was a big win for us because we needed to get our team going," Niagara head coach Chris Chernisky said. "We didn't want last weekend to define our season. Our team needed to battle back and we were able to do that today by coming out with a win."

The Purple Eagles' first hit came off the bat of senior designated hitter Steve Baldinelli, who finished the day 3 for 5 with a homerun and two doubles. Niagara (18-21) finished the game with 12 more hits to outslug the hard hitting Griffins, who were ranked fourteenth nationally in batting average coming into Tuesday's game.

Niagara starting pitcher Mark Wilson allowed 3 runs in 1.2 innings of work, but relief pitcher Brad Lueck picked up his second win after pitching 4.2 strong innings of work to keep his team in the game.

"Brad came into the game and did a great job," Baldinelli said. "He kept our team in it, and luckily our team was able to get some big hits to get the win. Canisius is a good team."

Canisius starting pitcher Josh Sawatzky threw six innings, allowing four earned runs on six hits to get the no decision.

Niagara entered the seventh inning trailing 6-5, but an RBI triple by Niagara's Frank Kurnik off Canisius's Josh Marshall tied the game up at six. Niagara took the lead for good when Kurnik advanced home on Baldinelli's RBI groundout.

Purple Eagles reliever Dennis Chachko was able to escape a bases loaded jam in the seventh inning to preserve the lead for Niagara.

Tim Alberts, Jonny Smith, and Matt Lucchesi each recorded two hits for Niagara, with Alberts blasting his sixth homerun of the season.

Kevin Mahoney led the way for the Canisius, reaching base safely in each of his at-bats. He finished the day 3 for 3 with two doubles, a single and two walks. Adam Donato and Kevin Mailloux also added two hits for the Griffins.

Niagara will head to Olean to face St. Bonaventure in the Big Four Classic championship game Wednesday at 4:30 pm. Niagara last won the Classic in 2004, the tournament's inaugural year.