FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Interstat) — Fairfield Stags erupted for 15 runs on 16 hits to defeat Sacred Heart Pioneers 15-6 in the opener of a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference doubleheader Friday.

The Stags improved to 26-21, while the Pioneers fell to 15-28.

Fairfield struck in the first inning when JP Kuczik singled home Nolan Colby, who had reached on a fielder’s choice. The score stayed 1-0 until the fourth, when the Stags broke through with five runs. Zach Stephenson launched a two-run homer to right center, scoring Jake Haarde, and later in the inning TJ Schmalzle hit a two-run homer to center that brought home Luke Nomura for a 5-0 lead.

Sacred Heart got on the board in the bottom of the fourth on a two-base error by Fairfield shortstop Luke Nomura, allowing Ronan Donohue to score an unearned run and cut the deficit to 6-1.

Fairfield added two more in the fifth on Stephenson’s RBI double and a run-scoring single by Nomura to make it 8-1.

The Stags then seized control with a six-run sixth inning. Matt Bucciero hit a two-run homer to right field, scoring Colby. Later, with the bases loaded, a two-base error by Sacred Heart right fielder allowed three unearned runs to score. Ryan Paine followed with an RBI single that plated Nomura, though Paine was thrown out trying to advance. The inning put Fairfield ahead 14-1.

Sacred Heart mounted a rally in the seventh, scoring three times. Peter Link doubled to left center, driving in Will Cook and Chris Wilson. Gavin Donohue singled, and CJ Nolan grounded out to bring home Link, trimming the lead to 14-4.

Fairfield answered in the top of the ninth when Bucciero singled home Schmalzle, who had walked and advanced on a wild pitch, making it 15-4.

The Pioneers threatened again in the ninth. Gavin Donohue homered to start the inning. After a walk to Nolan, Daniel Rice III doubled to right, scoring Nolan. Reliever Ryan Maiorano entered for Fairfield and allowed a walk but got a groundout to end the game.

Offensive leaders for Fairfield included Stephenson with three hits, a double and a homer, three runs and three RBIs; Bucciero with three hits, including a double and a homer, and three RBIs; and Schmalzle who reached base three times on a homer, a walk and a hit-by-pitch, scoring twice. For Sacred Heart, Gavin Donohue had three hits, including a double and a homer, with two runs and two RBIs. Peter Link had two doubles and two RBIs.

Harrison Engle started for Fairfield and allowed one unearned run over six innings with five strikeouts. Hunter Hoxie relieved and gave up three runs in the seventh. Maiorano pitched the ninth, allowing two runs. Sacred Heart starter Jonathan Peterson took the loss, surrendering six runs in three-plus innings.

The two teams are scheduled to play the second game of the doubleheader Saturday.