CAPE SAINT CLAIRE, Md. (Interstat) — In a wild Patriot League contest defined by a massive early deficit and a late-inning rally, the Navy Midshipmen overcame a seven-run first-inning hole to defeat the Lafayette Leopards 10-9 on Sunday afternoon at Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium.

The victory completed a three-game series sweep for Navy (20-13, 4-2 Patriot League) over Lafayette (7-23, 1-5). The game’s most critical sequence came in the bottom of the sixth inning, when the Midshipmen erased a one-run deficit with a four-run outburst, capped by a decisive two-run homer from Andrew Manning.

The game began in shocking fashion, as the visiting Leopards sent 14 batters to the plate in a marathon top of the first inning, scoring nine runs on eight hits. The inning featured a two-run homer from Boden Fernsler and a two-run single from Matt Colella, who finished with three hits and three RBIs. Navy starter Wesley Maksimiew recorded only one out before being relieved.

Facing a 9-0 deficit before even taking a swing, the Midshipmen began their methodical comeback immediately. They plated two runs in the first on a two-run single by Manning, then added three more in the second, aided by a Lafayette error, to cut the lead to 9-5. An unearned run in the third made it 9-6.

Navy’s bullpen stabilized the game, allowing the offense to chip away. Leopards reliever Ben Waterman, who entered in the second, was charged with four earned runs over 4 1/3 innings. The comeback culminated in the sixth. With one out and a runner on third, Evan Brown’s groundout brought in a run. Patrick Walsh followed with an RBI double to make it 9-8. Manning then delivered the pivotal blow, launching a two-run home run to right-center field to give Navy its first lead at 10-9. Manning went 2-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs, rebounding from a recent hitless streak.

Lafayette threatened to answer in the seventh when pinch-runner turned first baseman Ryan Stoddard hit a two-run homer, but those runs only tied the game at 10-10, as the Leopards still trailed by one due to the earlier deficit. They pulled within a run again in the eighth on an RBI double from Fernsler and an RBI fielder’s choice from Will Dobil, but could not draw even.

Navy reliever Jackson Beattie shut the door over the final two innings, striking out four and allowing just one hit to earn the win. Lafayette out-hit Navy 14-8 but grounded into two double plays, including one to stifle a fifth-inning threat.

James Reese and Braden Pomponi provided scoreless relief for Lafayette, but the early nine-run cushion proved insufficient. The loss extended Lafayette’s struggles, while Navy’s comeback victory improved its position in the league standings.

The Midshipmen are scheduled to visit George Washington on Tuesday. The Leopards are set to play at Saint Peter’s on Wednesday.