HOUGHTON, NY—Nick Melchiore knocked in seven runs as the Houghton Highlanders defeated the Fredonia Blue Devils in Highlanders' home opener, 13-7.
 
The Blue Devils struck first in the fifth inning, plating three runs on a hit-by-pitch, a walk, two hits and an error.
 
The Highlanders, however, answered right back in the bottom half of the inning, tying the game on a two RBI single by Melchiore and a double-play that forced in a run.
 
Houghton continued to roll in the sixth, scoring four more runs when Melchiore ripped a 3-RBI triple to deep center and Taylor Huntsman followed with an RBI single to left.
 
Fredonia got to the Highlander bullpen in the seventh, driving home three more runs to draw within a run.  Houghton, however, opened up the game in the bottom half of the inning, scoring five more runs to put the game out of reach.
 
Ned Monthie picked up his first win of the year, allowing two earned runs over six innings of work.  Stephen Brittin closed out the game, ending a Blue Devils' rally in the eighth and tossing a scoreless ninth.
 
Melchiore and Jeremy Newswanger finished with three hits apiece, while David Wessells, Huntsman, Tage Johnson and John Zamites each collected two hits for the Highlanders.
 
Coach's Comments
"This was a really good win for us.  Ned [Monthie] gave us a strong start on the mound and we made some excellent defensive plays behind him. 
 
"Our offense really kicked it into high gear in the second half of the game and Nick has just been unbelievable. 
 
"Fredonia is a really well-coached team, and to pick up a win like that is a good stepping stone for us." –Coach Brian Reitnour