PRINCETON, N.J. (Interstat) — In a wild, back-and-forth affair that defied pregame projections, the Princeton Tigers rallied from an early five-run deficit and then withstood a late surge to edge the Rider Broncs 10-9 on Wednesday evening at Bill Clarke Field.

The game, which began in the afternoon and concluded under the lights, featured 25 combined hits and multiple lead changes, culminating in a dramatic solo home run in the eighth inning that proved to be the difference.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a comfortable 6-2 victory for Rider, which entered with a 19-12 record and a 64% win probability according to ELO ratings. Instead, Princeton, now 10-21, secured one of its most resilient wins of the season.

The contest turned decisively in the middle innings. Rider had built a 9-5 lead by the top of the sixth, keyed by a two-run homer from designated hitter Peter Crespo. But the Tigers had already begun their climb back in a explosive third inning, highlighted by a three-run homer from left fielder Brady Kaufman that cut into the early deficit.

The most critical sequence came in the bottom of the fifth. After Rider had extended its lead, Princeton first baseman Tomas Cernius delivered the game’s biggest blow, a three-run homer to right field that tied the score at 9-9. Cernius, the top star for Princeton, finished 3 for 4 with a home run, a double and four RBIs, continuing a hot stretch at the plate.

Rider answered immediately in the top of the seventh, plating five runs to seemingly seize control. Charley Magoulick laced a two-run double and Eliot Medlock followed with another two-run double as the Broncs batted around.

Princeton’s bullpen, however, halted the rally and set the stage for the final turn. In the bottom of the eighth, Tigers designated hitter Bennett Crerar led off by driving a solo home run down the right-field line off Rider reliever Flynn C. to break the tie and put Princeton ahead 10-9.

Tigers reliever Will Sword then sealed the victory in the ninth, working around a one-out single and a wild pitch to secure the save. Princeton starter James Beasley went 5 1/3 innings, allowing four earned runs on five hits to keep his team within reach.

For Rider, Magoulick led a 12-hit attack, going 3 for 5 with two doubles and two RBIs. Crespo, in a limited role, was a perfect 2 for 2 with his home run, two RBIs and two walks. Alex D’Ambrosio and Jack Ruditzky provided scoreless relief outings for the Broncs, but the pitching staff ultimately could not contain the heart of Princeton’s order.

The Tigers amassed 13 hits, with Kaufman joining Cernius as a driving force, adding a double to his three-run homer for four RBIs.

Princeton looks to carry the momentum into its Ivy League series against Penn beginning Saturday. Rider, which saw a three-game win streak snapped, opens a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference series at home against Manhattan on Friday.