WACO, Texas (Interstat) — The Baylor Bears’ offense erupted for a season-high 16 runs on 16 hits, overcoming an early deficit to defeat the Incarnate Word Cardinals 16-7 in a nonconference baseball game Tuesday night at Baylor Ballpark.

The game’s decisive shift came in a relentless bottom of the seventh inning, where Baylor sent 13 batters to the plate and scored seven runs to break open what had been a two-run game. The Bears capitalized on two hits, three walks, a hit batter, a critical error and aggressive baserunning to turn a 9-7 lead into a commanding 16-7 advantage.

Baylor right fielder Brady Janusek was the catalyst, delivering the inning’s biggest blow with a two-run single up the middle that scored Wesley Clements and Hunter Dodson. Janusek then stole second base, and on the play, the ensuing throw allowed lead runner Ty Johnson to steal home. Janusek finished the night 3 for 5 with four RBIs and three stolen bases, spearheading an offense that stole six bases in total.

The Bears (13-11) trailed 7-2 after Incarnate Word catcher Colin Cymbalista launched a two-run homer, his fifth of the season, in the top of the third. Baylor began its methodical comeback in the bottom of the first on an RBI single from Janusek and a sacrifice fly from Cortlan Snow. First baseman Tyce Armstrong then cut the deficit to 7-3 with a solo home run, his eighth, in the third.

The Bears took control with a six-run fifth inning, sending 11 men to bat. The rally was fueled by a two-run single from Janusek, an RBI double from Armstrong, a run-scoring single from Johnson and an RBI single from Clements. A fielding error by Incarnate Word second baseman Anderson allowed two runs to score on Johnson’s hit.

After the Cardinals (12-12) clawed back with two runs in the top of the seventh on a fielder’s choice and a sacrifice fly to make it 9-7, Baylor’s explosive seventh inning put the game out of reach. Pinch-hitter Luke McDade contributed a two-run single in the frame.

Baylor’s bullpen combination of Charlie Atkinson, RJ Ruais and Jake Kolkhorst provided critical relief, combining for 3 1/3 scoreless innings with four strikeouts. For Incarnate Word, relievers Braelin Pillot, Colin Huspen and Ashton Perkins each delivered a scoreless inning of work.

The loss spoiled a strong offensive start for the Cardinals, who collected nine hits. Cymbalista led the way with his two-run homer before exiting the game.

The result defied the projection from Interstat’s game simulator, which had forecast a 7-5 Incarnate Word victory, though Baylor entered as a significant favorite with a 74.5% win probability according to the service’s ELO ratings.

Baylor improved to 13-11 on the season and will travel to face Houston for a three-game series starting Friday. Incarnate Word fell to .500 at 12-12 and begins a Southland Conference series at Lamar on Friday.