FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Interstat) — The Fairfield Stags erased an early three-run deficit with a relentless offensive performance, defeating the Central Connecticut Blue Devils 12-3 in a non-conference baseball game Tuesday evening at Webster Bank Arena.

The game’s most critical sequence occurred in the bottom of the eighth inning, transforming a competitive contest into a rout. Leading 10-3, Fairfield’s TJ Schmalzle doubled home Nolan Colby. After Schmalzle advanced to third on a wild pitch, right fielder Matthew Bucciero delivered the decisive blow, launching a two-run homer to right field to cap a three-run inning and provide the final margin. Bucciero, the game’s top star, finished 3 for 5 with a double, the home run and two RBIs, extending a hot streak at the plate.

Central Connecticut (5-9) struck immediately in the first inning, capitalizing on an early error. With two runners on, left fielder Louis Jordan connected for a three-run homer to center field, giving the Blue Devils a 3-0 lead before Fairfield recorded an out.

Fairfield (10-10) began chipping away in its half of the first. Matthew Bucciero singled and later scored on a wild pitch. Luke Nomura then came home on a sacrifice fly by Dom Camera, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

The Stags took the lead for good with a three-run third inning, fueled by Central Connecticut miscues. Bucciero scored on a sacrifice fly by JP Kuczik to tie the game. Nomura then stole third and scored on an errant throw, and Camera later crossed the plate on an RBI groundout by Jake Haarde, making it 5-3. Two of the runs in the inning were unearned.

Fairfield added single runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, with another unearned run scoring in the fifth on an RBI single by Connor Scanlan. Scanlan also homered in the seventh inning, finishing 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs.

The Stags’ bullpen was dominant, combining for seven scoreless innings of relief. Nick Kelly, Alex Frank and Ryan Maiorano each pitched two innings without allowing an earned run. Frank was particularly sharp, striking out five of the seven batters he faced. Maiorano closed out the final two frames to secure the win.

Central Connecticut’s offense was held to seven hits, all after the first inning. Relievers Kyle McDermott, Brandon Candelora and TJ Winn Jr. combined for 4 2/3 scoreless innings for the Blue Devils, but the early deficit and four team errors proved too much to overcome.

The victory brought Fairfield back to .500 on the season, while Central Connecticut dropped its fourth consecutive game. The Stags next play at Seton Hall on Saturday in Binghamton, New York. The Blue Devils open a series at Stonehill on Friday.