NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — Binghamton built a five-run lead in the first inning and held off a late NJIT rally for a 5-4 victory in America East baseball Sunday evening at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium. The Bearcats swept the three-game series.

Binghamton sent nine batters to the plate in the first, keyed by a two-run single from Mike Stellrecht. NJIT’s Rowin O’Connor cut the deficit with a three-run homer in the fifth. The Highlanders added a run in the ninth on Conner Rippo’s RBI groundout before stranding the tying run at third.

Binghamton’s Jackson Mitchell earned the win with five innings of relief, allowing no hits despite three unearned runs. NJIT starter Tade Riorden settled after the first, tossing five scoreless frames. Binghamton improved to 13-13, while NJIT fell to 9-17.