LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Interstat) — In a wild, back-and-forth Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference contest defined by a monumental sixth-inning swing, the Rider Broncs outslugged the Siena Saints 12-7 on Sunday afternoon at Sonny Pittaro Field.

The game, which extended into the evening, saw Rider overcome an early deficit with a five-run sixth inning, highlighted by a go-ahead grand slam from third baseman Will Gallagher, only for Siena to rally and tie the game with a five-run eighth. The Broncs responded immediately with another five-run outburst in the bottom of the eighth, powered by timely hitting and aided by Siena miscues, to secure the series sweep.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the bottom of the sixth inning. Trailing 7-2, Rider loaded the bases with one out against Siena relievers. After a sacrifice fly from Matt Leahy made it 7-3, Gallagher stepped to the plate. On a 1-1 count, the junior launched a towering drive over the left-field fence for a grand slam, instantly erasing the Saints’ lead and knotting the score at 7-7. The slam marked a dramatic turnaround for Gallagher, who was hitless in the previous game of the series.

Siena starter Ryan Lundari had provided five strong innings, allowing just two earned runs on no hits with two strikeouts before the bullpen faltered. Rider starter Clayton Poliey earned a no-decision after working five innings and surrendering one earned run on seven hits.

The Saints clawed back in the top of the eighth, sending 11 men to the plate to score five runs and re-tie the game at 12-12. Nick Bergamotto delivered a two-run single and Vincent Venditti drew a bases-loaded walk in the inning. Bergamotto finished 3 for 5 with two RBIs, while Venditti drove in two runs.

Rider’s answer in the bottom half was decisive and chaotic. The Broncs sent 10 batters to the plate, scoring five runs on four hits, three walks, two wild pitches and a critical Siena error. Erich Hartmann contributed an RBI single, and two runs scored on wild pitches. Gallagher, who finished 2 for 5 with four RBIs, added a single in the rally, and Hartmann went 2 for 5 with a solo home run and two RBIs.

The Siena bullpen, which had been sturdy early, combined to allow 10 runs over the final three innings. Rider relievers Connor Flynn and Jake Dorety provided three scoreless innings of relief to close the door, with Flynn earning the win.

With the victory, Rider improved its season record to 8-5 overall and completed a three-game sweep of the MAAC series. Siena fell to 6-11. The game’s outcome defied the Interstat game simulator, which had projected a 7-5 Siena victory, though Rider entered as a heavy favorite with a 77.9% win probability according to the service’s ELO rating system.

Siena out-hit Rider 12 to 10 but left 10 runners on base and committed a costly error. Rider capitalized on eight walks and three hit batters issued by Siena pitching.

The Saints travel to face Binghamton on Tuesday. Rider’s next action is a weekend series at Mount Saint Mary’s beginning Friday.