NEW HAMBURG, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights broke open a close game with a pair of big innings Friday, routing the Wagner Seahawks 14-2 in a Northeast Conference matchup at Heritage Financial Park.

The Knights, who improved to 3-5, were propelled by a dominant relief outing from pitcher Chris Messina and a four-RBI day from left fielder Jimmy Mantuano. The Seahawks fell to 1-9.

Wagner starter Colin Trizuto kept the game tight through five innings, allowing one earned run on three hits. Fairleigh Dickinson had struck first in the opening frame, scoring two unearned runs after a Wagner error, but the Seahawks answered in the second. With the bases loaded and one out, Knights starter Cooper Montelbano was relieved by Messina. Wagner shortstop Nicholas Mazzotta drove in a run on a fielder’s choice, but Messina escaped further damage.

That sequence proved to be the turning point. Messina stifled the Seahawks’ offense, pitching 5 2/3 innings of no-hit relief. He allowed one earned run, walked two and struck out two, effectively slamming the door after a rocky start by the Knights’ staff.

Fairleigh Dickinson’s offense, held in check by Trizuto, erupted against the Wagner bullpen in the sixth. The Knights sent 11 batters to the plate, scoring six runs—only three of them earned—to take an 8-1 lead. The rally was highlighted by a two-run double from Hunter Ray and run-scoring hits from Mantuano and Jeremy Delamota, capitalizing on a Wagner error and wild pitch.

The Knights put the game completely out of reach with another six-run outburst in the seventh. Mantuano and Jeremy Cheeseman delivered key two-run singles in the inning, which featured four hits and three walks.

Mantuano finished 3 for 5 with four RBIs. Ray went 2 for 4 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs. Delamota also drove in two runs for Fairleigh Dickinson, which collected 12 hits but also grounded into two double plays.

For Wagner, Mazzotta drove in both runs via fielder’s choices. The Seahawks managed only three hits total and left multiple runners on base early against Montelbano before Messina took control.

The lopsided result defied pregame projections. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 4-1 Fairleigh Dickinson victory, while its ELO system gave Wagner a 66.4% probability to win.

The two teams continue their series Saturday and Sunday at Heritage Financial Park.