NEW HAMBURG, N.Y. (Interstat) — Rider right-hander PJ Craig delivered a dominant six-inning relief performance, and the Broncs’ offense erupted for six runs in the eighth inning to break open a tight game and secure a 9-3 victory over Sacred Heart in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference baseball Saturday evening at Heritage Financial Park.

A crowd of 50 watched as the Broncs (5-3, 2-0 MAAC) claimed the first two games of the weekend series, while the Pioneers (1-10, 0-2) dropped their ninth consecutive game.

The game’s pivotal moment arrived in the top of the eighth inning with Rider clinging to a 3-2 lead. After loading the bases with one out, Broncs center fielder Anthony Paskell launched a three-run homer off reliever PJ Rogan, effectively sealing the outcome. The blast capped a six-run frame that included a two-run double from Erich Hartmann, who finished with two RBIs.

Until the eighth, it was a pitchers’ duel. Sacred Heart starter Ryan Parker kept his team in contention, allowing three runs on six hits over six innings, striking out four. Rider’s early offense came via small ball, scratching across a run in the sixth on an RBI single from Kyle Neri and two more in the seventh on Matt Leahy’s two-run single.

The Pioneers had taken an early 3-0 lead against Rider starter Kyle Batt. They scored once in the second on an RBI single from Peter Link and twice more in the third on an RBI double from Will Cook and a run-scoring single from Will Rudolph, who went 2 for 3.

The trajectory of the game shifted dramatically when Craig entered from the bullpen to begin the fourth inning. The right-hander was flawless, retiring all 18 batters he faced over six perfect innings. He struck out seven, extinguishing any Sacred Heart momentum and allowing his offense time to pull away. This outing was a stark turnaround for Craig, who surrendered six earned runs in a relief appearance against Delaware on Feb. 27.

Following Paskell’s decisive home run, Sacred Heart reliever Aiden Emrich recorded the final four outs without allowing a hit. Charley Magoulick led Rider’s 11-hit attack, going 3 for 4 with two doubles and two runs scored.

Interstat’s ELO system had given Rider a 60.40 percent probability to win prior to first pitch.

The teams conclude their three-game series Sunday afternoon. Rider will visit Long Island on Tuesday, while Sacred Heart travels to Yale on Wednesday.