ALBANY, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a midweek nonconference matchup defined by a staggering first-inning offensive outburst, the Binghamton Bearcats roared back from an early six-run deficit to defeat the Le Moyne Dolphins 17-6 on Tuesday afternoon and evening at Varsity Field.

The game’s decisive sequence occurred immediately after the Dolphins (4-15) stunned the home crowd with a four-run top of the first, highlighted by a two-run homer from right fielder Jack Cannon. Le Moyne extended its lead to 6-0 before recording an out, capitalizing on early command issues from Binghamton’s pitching staff.

The Bearcats’ response in the bottom half of the inning was swift and overwhelming, fundamentally altering the contest. Braylen Gonzalez led off with a solo home run to right-center field, providing an immediate answer. After a triple by Matt Bolton and a single from Tommy Popoff made it 6-2, catcher Andrew Heppner kept the rally alive with a single. That set the stage for left fielder Grant Hunter, who erased the remaining deficit by launching a three-run homer to left field, tying the game at 6-6 and electrifying the Binghamton dugout.

The Bearcats (9-11) were not finished. Mike Stellrecht and Owen Rich followed with back-to-back doubles to plate another run, completing a seven-run inning that seized control for good. Hunter, who entered the game in a 1-for-16 slump over his previous four contests, finished 2 for 2 with two home runs, four RBIs, three runs scored and a walk, serving as the catalyst for the comeback.

Binghamton continued its assault in the second inning, adding four more runs. A sacrifice fly by Popoff and a solo home run by Heppner were followed by an RBI single from Stellrecht that scored Hunter, who had been hit by a pitch. The Bearcats sent 21 batters to the plate across the first two innings, turning a six-run hole into a 10-6 advantage.

Le Moyne’s only other scoring came via a solo home run from designated hitter Derek Diaz in the fourth inning and a two-run double from Cannon in the seventh. Cannon led the Dolphins, going 2 for 3 with a home run, a double and four RBIs. The Dolphins collected 10 hits but stranded multiple runners and could not replicate their first-inning success against a parade of Binghamton relievers.

After the tumultuous start, the Bearcat bullpen stabilized the game. Ian Kaiser earned the win with two innings of relief, allowing one run on two hits while striking out three. Soren Gregor and Conlan Taylor each contributed a scoreless inning of relief. Le Moyne reliever Michael Pastrana provided a bright spot with two scoreless innings in the middle of the game, striking out three.

Binghamton put the game out of reach with a six-run sixth inning, sending 11 men to the plate. The inning featured a bases-loaded walk to Owen Rich, a sacrifice fly from Gonzalez, an RBI double from Sean Sweeney, an RBI single from Bolton and a sacrifice fly from pinch-hitter Caden Albright. Bolton finished 3 for 5 with an RBI and two runs scored, while Heppner was 3 for 5 with a home run, a double and an RBI.

The lopsided result defied the pregame projection from Interstat, whose game simulator had predicted a narrow 6-5 victory for Binghamton. The Bearcats improved to 9-11 on the season, while Le Moyne dropped to 4-15.

Binghamton is scheduled to host Seton Hall on Sunday. Le Moyne will open a three-game home series against Coppin State on Friday.