VESTAL, N.Y. - Third-seeded Binghamton baseball (25-22) exploded for 10 runs in the first three innings and rolled past second-seeded Albany (28-22) 18-4 in an America East tournament winners' bracket game Thursday afternoon at the Bearcats Baseball Complex.

Binghamton jumped on Albany's starter for two runs in the first inning, one in the second and then put a seven-spot on the board in the third. In that pivotal third frame, BU batted around and had eight hits - the last of which was a grand slam by junior catcher TJ Wegmann that made the score 10-0. Wegmann sent an 0--1 pitch over the wall in right center for his second home run of the season and first career grand slam. Before that, sophomore center fielder Shane Marshall belted a two-run home run.

The outburst was more than enough for senior right-hander Nick Gallagher (W, 4-5), who went 8.1 innings and only allowed four hits and one earned run. Gallagher struck out eight and worked the longest outing of his stellar four-year career.

The Bearcats tacked on four runs in the fifth and another four in the eighth to finish their scoring.

Junior right fielder Anthony Meduri blasted a three-run home run in the eighth.

The offensive accolades were aplenty as BU registered its highest hits and runs totals in America East postseason history.

In addition to Wegmann (4 RBI), junior third baseman Justin Drpich went 4-for-5 with three runs. Marshall wound up with three RBI and junior left fielder Daniel Franchi, sophomore shortstop Jake Evans and junior second baseman Alex Baratta each had three hits. 

All nine starting position players recorded at least one hits and seven had RBIs. 

Binghamton is now halfway to claiming the program's fifth America East tournament title. The Bearcats face top-seeded Stony Brook at 11 a.m. on Friday and need two more wins to capture the crown and the adjoining NCAA berth. A win Friday morning would move BU into Saturday's championship round, where they would have two chances to win one more game. A loss in Friday's opening game would send BU into the consolation bracket and a 6 p.m. elimination game Friday night.