CRIVITZ, Wis. – Another close game against a top conference opponent, another close loss.

Niagara fell to Crivitz 7-6 in nine innings on Friday. It’s the third extra-inning loss against a top M&O Conference opponent this season.

The Badgers (6-9) lost to Crivitz in extra innings on April 22 and Coleman on April 16.

“We just need to come on top of one of these games,” Niagara head coach Dean Neveau said. “It might propel the kids to get that desire.

“Against the top teams in our conference, we went extra innings with them. You come out on top of that, you’re right there.”

Crivitz scored six runs through the third-sixth innings. Niagara scored three each in the sixth and seventh to tie the game.

Niagara’s half of the sixth started when Anthony Hansen reached base on a dropped third strike. Crivitz walked the bases loaded and then walked Logan Carlson to score Hansen and two more runs scored on an error.

Niagara scored three more in the seventh on another error.

But Crivitz won the game in the seventh on a run-scoring single by leadoff hitter Dawson Andrist with one out.

Niagara left 11 runners on base. Crivitz stranded 14.

“We still had 13 strikeouts. That’s way too high,” Neveau said. “I understand we’re playing a good team with good pitchers. The kids are over-swinging instead of putting the bat on the ball.”

Landen Kaldor started on the mound and threw 4 1/3 innings for the Badgers. He gave up three runs on seven hits with two walks and three strikeouts. Josh Weber and Tristan DeJardin threw the remainder and gave up a combined four runs (three earned) on seven hits with two walks and a strikeout.

“I really think our pitchers are where they need to be,” Neveau said. “We just need to generate runs.”

Even though the Badgers’ lineup struck out 13 times, they also were patient at the plate, drawing 12 walks.

Josh Weber was 3 for 3 with two walks. Elliot Peterson and Kaldor had hits for Niagara.

The Badgers visit Coleman in the M&O Conference tournament on Monday.

Niagara 000 003 300 – 6 5 3

Crivitz 000 213 001 – 7 14 2