ROCHESTER, N.Y.- Buffalo scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to come from behind and beat Western Michigan, 8-7, Friday in game one of this weekend's three-game Mid-American Conference series.

Buffalo led twice in the game, going up 3-0 in the first and 5-3 after three innings. Western Michigan tied the score at 3-3 in the top of the third and then again matched the Bulls at 5-5 with two runs in the top of the fourth.

The Broncos took their first lead in the top of the eighth, when junior right fielder Jared Kujawa laced a two-run double down the right field line, making for a 7-5 score.

Buffalo got a run back in the bottom of the eighth and Western Michigan went down in order in the top of the ninth, clinging to a 7-6 lead.

An outfield error in the bottom of the ninth put the Bulls' leadoff batter at second and UB's Matt Pollock tied the game doubling a 3-2 pitch down the left line. Western Michigan RHP Gabe Berman struck out the next batter and then issued an intentional walk. Berman got Vinny Mallaro to hit a sharp grounder to short on a possible game-ending double play ball, but the throw to second was botched and all runners advanced safely, loading the bases for Buffalo.

Berman recorded another strikeout to bring Kyle Figgins to the plate with two outs and the bases still full. Figgins worked the count for a walk, bringing in the winning run for Buffalo.

Berman (1-2) took the loss, throwing an inning and two-thirds. Senior left-handed pitcher Steve Laudicina went 6.1 innings in the start to bring his career total to 291.1 innings pitched, breaking the school record of 288.2 previously held by Billy Morrison. Laudicina gave up five runs, seven hits, walked three and struck out five.

Western Michigan had 14 hits and left 13 runners on base. Kujawa totaled four RBIs in the game. Andrew Sohn and Brett Sunde each went 3-for-4 at the plate. Jordan Tillman and Grant Miller had two hits each.

Buffalo right-handed starter Kevin Hughes went 7.1 innings in a no-decision. Cory Folk (2-1) earned the win out of the bullpen, holding WMU to no runs and one hit over the final inning and two-thirds.

WMU (13-16, 4-6 MAC) and Buffalo (14-12, 5-4 MAC) return to Rochester tomorrow for a 1 p.m. contest and conclude the series Sunday, also a 1 p.m. first pitch. The games are being held at Monroe Community College's Tribune Field, due to unplayable conditions at UB's Amherst Audubon Field.