MERION STATION, Pa. (Interstat) — In a stunning reversal of recent form and pregame projections, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights erupted for a decisive 11-1 victory over the Saint Joseph’s Hawks in non-conference baseball action Wednesday evening at Smithson Field.

The win, which came against a Hawks team riding a six-game winning streak, pushed Rutgers back toward .500 at 18-19, while Saint Joseph’s fell to 23-11.

The most important part of the game was a relentless, seven-run top of the third inning that transformed a tight contest into a rout. Trailing 1-0 after a Gabriel Rivera solo home run in the second, the Scarlet Knights sent 11 men to the plate in the third. The inning featured five consecutive run-scoring hits after two quick outs, culminating in a two-run homer by right fielder Chase Krewson. The barrage chased Saint Joseph’s starter Carson Magill and overwhelmed reliever Micah Wells, turning a one-run game into an 8-0 deficit from which the Hawks never recovered.

Krewson, named the top star for Rutgers, led the offensive charge, going 2-for-3 with a triple, a two-run home run, two RBIs and two runs scored. His performance provided a bright spot after a recent team slump that saw Rutgers lose four straight, including three to UCLA over the weekend.

The Scarlet Knights’ 12-hit attack was widespread. Shortstop Yomar Carreras went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in the seventh and three RBIs. Second baseman Gabriel Rivera added a 2-for-3 day with his solo shot and two RBIs. Catcher Trey Wells contributed a two-RBI double during the critical third-inning surge.

On the mound, Rutgers received dominant work from its bullpen trio after starter Zach Gleason navigated 3 2/3 innings, allowing the Hawks’ lone run on Joey Pagano’s fourth-inning solo home run. Gleason earned the win. Relievers Jason Masick and Jack Kirchner were flawless in relief, combining for four hitless innings. Masick pitched 2 1/3 innings with one strikeout, and Kirchner closed the seventh with two strikeouts in a perfect frame. Rutgers pitchers retired the final 10 Hawks batters in order.

Saint Joseph’s, which had averaged over nine runs per game during its winning streak, was held to just one run on six hits. Pagano’s homer accounted for the only offense. Starter Carson Magill took the loss.

The result defied the pregame simulation from Interstat, which had projected a 7-2 Saint Joseph’s victory, though the service’s ELO ratings gave Rutgers a 60.2% probability to win.

Rutgers looks to carry the momentum into a Big Ten series at Penn State beginning Friday. Saint Joseph’s opens an Atlantic 10 series at home against George Mason on Friday.