LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Interstat) — Charley Magoulick launched a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning Saturday, capping a wild comeback as the Rider Broncs outlasted the Manhattan Jaspers 13-9 in the first game of a doubleheader at Sonny Pittaro Field.

The game-winning blast, a shot to right-center field with no outs, erased a one-run deficit and handed Rider its second straight win over Manhattan in the weekend series. It marked the most dramatic moment in a contest defined by offensive surges and missed opportunities.

Manhattan appeared to seize control early with a five-run third inning, highlighted by a three-run homer from Hunter Sute. The Jaspers added a critical insurance run in the top of the ninth on a solo home run by Andreaus Lewis, taking a 9-8 lead into the final frame.

Rider’s ninth-inning rally began with a costly error. Leadoff hitter E. Hartmann reached on a throwing error by Manhattan first baseman Dylan Mayer. K. Neri and A. Paskell followed with consecutive singles, loading the bases and setting the stage for Magoulick.

The Rider first baseman, who had already driven in three runs earlier in the game, connected on the first pitch from reliever Ivan Epps, sending it well over the fence for his first homer of the season and a stunning victory. Magoulick finished the day 3 for 6 with a double, a triple, the home run and seven RBIs.

The game was a back-and-forth affair from the start. Rider struck first, plating three unearned runs in the bottom of the first inning after a passed ball extended the frame, with Magoulick delivering a two-run double.

Manhattan answered forcefully in the third. After Sute’s homer, the Jaspers loaded the bases and pushed across two more runs on a walk and a wild pitch to take a 6-3 lead. Rider responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning, scoring three times to tie the game, keyed by a two-run double from Eliot Medlock.

Both bullpens then settled into a duel. Manhattan reliever Joseph Duffield provided critical stability, entering in the second inning and throwing 4 2/3 scoreless innings of hitless ball, striking out three. Rider’s relief corps of Christian Aiello, Jake Dorety and Dylan Kane combined for 6 1/3 innings, allowing just two runs on six hits to keep the Broncs close.

Rider tied the game at 8-8 in the eighth on a sacrifice fly from P. Crespo, only to see Lewis put Manhattan back ahead in the ninth with his solo shot to left field.

Manhattan out-hit Rider 13-13, but the Jaspers were plagued by four errors, leading to five unearned runs. Rider pitchers issued 10 walks but were aided by three double plays.

With the win, Rider improved to 21-13 overall. Manhattan fell to 14-20. The teams were set to conclude the doubleheader shortly after the conclusion of the opener.