PISCATAWAY, N.J. (Interstat) — Vincent Borghese delivered a dominant relief performance, striking out eight over 4 2/3 shutout innings to lead Rutgers to a 6-3 victory over Bryant on Friday evening at Bainton Field.

The Scarlet Knights (7-5) erased an early three-run deficit with a five-run outburst across the first two innings, then relied on their bullpen to secure the series-opening win. The Bulldogs fell to 4-6.

The most important sequence of the game came in the top of the fifth inning. After Bryant had clawed back with two runs in the third to make it a 5-3 game, they threatened again. With one out and runners on first and second, Rutgers starter Dallin Harrison was pulled for Borghese. The right-hander immediately surrendered an RBI single to Matt Greger, cutting the lead to 6-3 and loading the bases with just one out.

Borghese, however, slammed the door. He struck out Alex Zyons looking and then fanned Connor Hackett swinging to strand three runners and preserve the three-run cushion. From that point, Borghese was nearly untouchable, allowing only one hit and one walk while racking up strikeouts. He retired the final seven batters he faced.

Rutgers’ offense struck quickly against Bryant starter Kaden Hilburger. After Chase Krewson’s double in the first, Anthony Meglio drove him in with another double. Tristan Salinas followed with a two-run homer to deep right field, his second of the season, to tie the game 3-3.

The Scarlet Knights took the lead for good in the second. Ryan Jaros led off with a triple and scored on a wild pitch. Later in the inning, a single by Johnny Bonds brought home Frankie Erace to make it 5-3. Rutgers added a crucial insurance run in the fourth on a groundout by Krewson.

Bryant’s offense was held to five hits. Casey Wensley led the way, going 2-for-4 with an RBI triple, a run scored and a stolen base. Charlie Saul added an RBI double. The Bulldogs’ bullpen provided bright spots, as Sean Zaslaw threw 3 1/3 hitless innings in relief and Cole Schiff struck out all four batters he faced over 1 2/3 perfect frames.

Harrison (1-0) earned the win for Rutgers despite allowing three runs on four hits over 4 1/3 innings. Hilburger (0-2) took the loss for Bryant, charged with five runs on five hits in three innings.

Jaros continued his hot hitting for the Scarlet Knights, going 2-for-3 with a triple, a double and two runs scored.

The teams continue their three-game series Saturday afternoon.