UNION, N.J. – The NJIT Highlanders erupted for 13 runs Thursday afternoon to defeat the Saint Peter's Peacocks, 13-3, at Jim Hynes Stadium.

After two scoreless innings to begin the contest, the Highlanders broke through in a big way in the bottom of the third. Nick Vega drew a walk to start the rally before Rowin O'Connor reached on an error. Ty Sallie followed with a single to load the bases, setting up Austin Francis, who delivered a two-run single to right field to open the scoring. Dillon Can added a sacrifice fly later in the inning, and Jack Stead capped the frame with a two-run home run to give the Highlanders a 5-0 lead.

The Peacocks answered with a two-run homer from in the fourth and added another run in the sixth to trim the deficit to 5-3.

The Highlanders responded with a decisive six-run sixth inning. The Highlanders capitalized on multiple Peacock errors and timely hitting, highlighted by a two-run single from R. O'Connor and a two-run double off the bat of Francis to extend the lead to 10-3.

The Highlanders added two more runs in the seventh to close out the scoring and secure the 13-3 win.

At the plate, Francis led the offense, going 3-for-5 with five RBIs, including a two-run double. Stead followed going 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Sallie recorded two hits and scored a run and R. O'Connor drove in three runs with a key two-run single in the sixth.

On the mond, Mark Scamardella (2-1) earned the win for the Highlanders, tossing 4.2 innings while allowing two runs on three hits and striking out six. Tade Riordan followed with an inning of relief, and Becker Sybirski closed the game with a scoreless seventh inning.

Up Next
The Highlanders will take on Saint Peter's in game two of the four-game series on Friday, the 6th at Yogi Berra Stadium with first pitch scheduled for 1:00 p.m.