FT. PIERCE, FL— What looked like a potential big win for the Highlanders in the second inning quickly took a 180 degree turn in the fourth, as Houghton dropped their third straight decision to the Eastern University Eagles, 11-3.
 
Houghton jumped out to an early 3-0 advantage in the first, thanks to a leadoff triple by David Wessells, a pair of walks and a Tage Johnson double to left.  Garret Kirkpatrick then knocked in the third run with a deep fly ball to left.
 
The Highlanders loaded the bases again in the second with nobody out, but an infield fly and a double play allowed the Eagles to escape unscathed.
 
Griffin Tubbs worked his way out of a pair of jams early and appeared to be cruising before the Eagles broke through in the fourth.  Eastern tallied six hits and five runs in the inning and never looked back.
 
The Eagles would add two more in the fifth and four in the seventh, cruising down the stretch to the victory.
 
After collecting six walks and two in the first two innings, Houghton managed only four baserunners the rest of the game.
 
Houghton pitchers struck seven and walked only two, but the Eagles bats did the bulk of the damage, pounding out 17 hits on the day.
 
Coach's Comments
"Our guys approached this game professionally—they were focused; they worked hard all day, and they never quit.
 
"Give credit to Eastern—we got ahead of them early but they found a way to come back.  Their bullpen threw a lot of strikes and shut us down, and their hitters found holes.
 
"We just need to stay focused on the process and our results will come." –Coach Brian Reitnour