ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – St. Bonaventure built an early lead and never looked back, scoring its first win in the home opener Tuesday afternoon against Binghamton, 7-3, at Handler Park.

Jackson DeJohn and Jagger Nucci each drove in two runs apiece while Tripp Breen earned the victory on the mound after throwing five innings of three-run ball with three strikeouts. Liam Devine registered the save, tossing the final four innings as he blanked the Bearcats, struck out three and allowed just two hits.

The Bonnies scored a run in each of the first two innings without the aid of a hit, plating tallies on sacrifice flies from Danny Manion and Pierce Hendershot.

Binghamton got a run back in the third, but the Bonnies extended their edge in the home half of the frame with three more runs for a 5-1 lead. DeJohn was hit with a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing home a run, before Nucci pulled a hit through the right side to bring in two more.

The Bearcats (5-18) scored a run in each the fourth and fifth frames to pull within 5-3.

DeJohn delivered a run-scoring single in the seventh for insurance and Williams brought another run across with his triple to center in the eighth.

That would be more than enough for Devine, who was outstanding in relief. The final out came with drama as the senior southpaw fielded a come-backer that hit him, regaining composure to toss to first to close the game.

Breen picked up his second career win while Devine logged his first career save.

Tuesday's victory gives B.J. Salerno his first win as Bonnies head coach.

The Bonnies return to Atlantic 10 play at Rhode Island this weekend.

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