FT. PIERCE, FL- The Buccaneers of Massachusetts Maritime Academy took two from the Houghton Highlanders this afternoon on a hot day in southeastern Florida, 9-3 and 9-7.
 
While both teams collected 11 hits, the Buccaneers capitalized on their opportunities at a greater rate, scoring nine runs while the Highlanders left 12 men stranded on base. 
 
Mass. Maritime plated runs in each of the first six innings, building a sizable lead from which Houghton could not recover.
 
The Highlanders got on the board in the fifth, scoring an unearned run, then scored two more in the sixth when Whitney Cook doubled home Ben Closson and David Wessells hit a sacrifice fly to score Jeremy Newswanger.
 
Game 2: With the Highlanders trailing, 9-3, in their final at bat, Cook and Wessells quickly reached base and Tage Johnson hit a monstrous home run well beyond the left-centerfield fence to cut the lead to 9-6.
 
With one out and Ben Closson and Taylor Huntsman on second and third, respectively, Carl Holmes hit a sacrifice fly to cut the lead to two, but a groundout to shortstop left Closson stranded at second, quelling the Houghton comeback.
 
GAME VITALS                           
Game 1 Score: Mass. Maritime – 9 | Houghton - 3
Game 2 Score: Mass. Maritime – 9 | Houghton – 7
Records: Mass. Maritime: 2-1 | Houghton: 1-3
Venue: Lawnwood Complex, Field #2 | Attendance: 50
 
NOTABLE STATS
>> Huntsman finished his day 5-for-8 with two doubles, while Closson finished 3-for-7 with a walk and a double.
 
>> Cook went 3-for-5 with a double and a stolen base for the Highlanders.

Coach's Corner:
"We had moments where we looked really good, and we battled all the way to the end.  But you can't strike out 20 times in 14 innings, or spot them five runs in the first two innings, twice, and expect to win games.
 
"For the past couple of years we've shown grit and determination on the offensive side of the game; we need to show that same grit and determination on the mound and on defense. 
 
"The stats may not show it, but Nick [Melchiore] actually pitched very well.  He settled in after some rough defensive play in the first couple innings, and I probably left him in for a few too many batters at the end, but I was encouraged by how he threw.
 
"Taylor Huntsman and Ben Closson continue to hit the ball hard, and it was great to see Tage [Johnson] break out in his last couple of at bats.  He—and we—really needed that bomb.
 
"Tomorrow is another day, and thankfully we don't have to wait too long to get back at it." –Coach Brian Reitnour
 
Up Next:
Houghton plays Eastern University tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the rubber-match of the three game series.  The Highlanders took the first game on Tuesday, 4-2, while the Eagles nabbed game two, 9-4.