HOUGHTON, NY—The Houghton Highlanders exploded for nine runs in their final three at bats to defeat the Utica Pioneers, 13-9, on Monday afternoon.
 
After overcoming an early four-run deficit, the Highlanders trailed the Pioneers 6-4 heading into the sixth inning.  David Wessells and Nick Melchiore hit back to back singles, executed a double-steal and Taylor Huntsman drove a ball deep into the plate both runners, tying the score.
 
Caleb Philips tossed a scoreless seventh and the Highlander bats went back to work, scoring three more runs thanks to triples from Wessells and Jeremy Newswanger and RBI singles by Whitney Cook and Melchiore.
 
Houghton added four more insurance runs in the eighth, which would prove vital and the Pioneers mounted a ninth inning comeback.  Utica pushed three runs across and loaded the bases with only one out, but Tage Johnson recorded back-to-back strikeouts to end the threat.
 
GAME VITALS                           
Score: Utica – 9 | Houghton - 13
Records: Utica: 7-6 (1-2 Empire 8) | Houghton: 8-6 (2-1 Empire 8)
Venue: Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex, Houghton College | Attendance: 32
 
KEY STATS:
>> Wessells finished his day 4-for-5 with two ground-ruled doubles, a triple, three runs scored and three RBI.
 
>> Tage Johnson notched the 150th hit of his career, going 1-for-3 on the day and drawing one hit closer to the Houghton career-hits mark of 157.  

>> Taylor Huntsman went 2-for-4 with four RBI and his conference-leading ninth double of the season.
 
>> Newswanger (double and a triple), Cook and Melchiore each added two hits apiece for the Highlanders.
 
>> The Highlanders have now scored at least 10 runs in six of their last seven games, all of which they have won.

COACH'S CORNER:
"That was a big win for us today.  I know it's early, but winning that series helps us stay ahead in the playoff hunt.
 
"Utica jumped on us early, but we settled down and kept our offense plugging away.  I'm really proud of the poise we showed.  We had a lot of quality at bats today.
 
"David [Wessells] hit the ball to all fields with authority and Jeremy [Newswanger] torched a couple.  We had timely hits when we needed them and made some quality defensive plays.  Goose [Caleb Philips] did his job in the middle and we survived the end.  I may have a few more gray hairs, but we survived the end!" –Coach Brian Reitnour
 
UP NEXT:
Houghton returns to the Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex tomorrow for a doubleheader with SUNY Brockport at 3:00 p.m.