ITHACA, N.Y. (Interstat) — Max Lane launched two home runs and drove in seven runs, and Andrew Abler and Ryan McHugh combined on a six-inning no-hit relief effort as the Harvard Crimson routed the Cornell Big Red 16-3 in an Ivy League baseball game Monday evening at Hoy Field.

The game, which began in the afternoon and concluded under the lights, was a stark reversal of fortune for both teams, who entered with identical 3-14 records. It also defied the pregame projection from Interstat, which had simulated a narrow 3-2 Cornell victory.

Harvard’s offense erupted immediately and never relented, amassing 13 hits. The most important sequence of the game came in the top of the first inning, setting a dominant tone. After two quick outs, Harvard loaded the bases on a hit-by-pitch and a single. Lane then stepped in and blasted a three-run homer to right field, staking the Crimson to a lead they would only expand.

The Crimson broke the game open with a five-run second inning, highlighted by a three-run homer from Gio Colasante, and a five-run third, featuring a three-run double from Lane. Jack Rickheim added two home runs and five RBIs for Harvard, finishing 4 for 6.

While the offense provided an insurmountable cushion, Harvard’s pitching was equally formidable after a shaky start. Starter Andrew Abler allowed both Cornell runs in the first inning on a sacrifice groundout and a wild pitch, but settled in to pitch six full innings. He surrendered all nine Cornell hits and the two earned runs while striking out six. More critically, after giving up a single to lead off the third, Abler did not allow another hit.

Ryan McHugh relieved Abler to start the seventh and preserved the combined no-hit bid by the Harvard bullpen, working three scoreless innings. He allowed one unearned run in the ninth on a pinch-hit RBI double by Troy Ashkinos, struck out five and walked one.

Cornell used six pitchers, with starter Hamill struggling to record an out in the second inning. Relievers Andrew Houghton, Max Foster and Josh Shea provided stability, combining for 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball, but the damage was already severe.

The victory improved Harvard to 4-14 overall, while Cornell fell to 3-15. Both teams are scheduled to play non-conference games Tuesday, with Harvard hosting Stonehill and Cornell traveling to face Army.

Lane, who entered the game in a 3-for-12 slump over his previous three contests, was the unequivocal star. His seven RBIs marked a career high and powered an offense that capitalized on early Cornell mistakes, including three hit batters and two wild pitches in the first two innings.

The game was a conference opener for both teams in the Ivy League.