HOUGHTON, NY—Trailing 4-2 in the fifth, the Houghton Highlander offense came alive.  Capped by a triple to right-center by Ben Closson, the Highlanders scored four runs in route to a 7-5 victory over the Elmira Soaring Eagles.
 
Houghton dug themselves an early hole, giving up two runs in the first while only one ball left the infield.  Following the rocky start, Highlander starting pitcher Brandon Joslin settled in, allowing only two more unearned runs in the fifth before leaving with a two-run lead.
 
Back-to-back doubles by Closson and Nick Melchiore in the second put the Highlanders on the board before John Zamites tripled to left-center and Closson singled him home in the fourth.
 
Houghton added one additional run in the seventh when Tage Johnson doubled off the wall in right-center and Zamites ripped a line drive off the wall in right two batters later.
 
GAME VITALS                           
Score: Elmira – 5 | Houghton - 7
Records: Elmira: 3-21 (2-10 Empire 8) | Houghton: 12-12 (5-6 Empire 8)
Venue: Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex, Houghton College | Attendance: 50
 
KEY STATS:
>> Joslin remained undefeated on the season, picking up his fifth win.  He recorded eight strikeouts over five innings of work.
 
>> Griffin Tubbs tossed three scoreless innings before giving way to Caleb Philips, who picked up his second save of the season.
 
>> Closson finished his day 3-for-4 with a single, a double, a triple and three RBI.
 
>> Zamites went 2-for-3 with a double, a triple a walk, and two runs scored.
 
>> Jeremy Newswanger and Taylor Huntsman each added two hits apiece for the Highlanders.
 
COACH'S CORNER:
"I'm really proud of how our team battled back after a rough start.  Brandon [Joslin] settled in and we got really good outings from Griff [Tubbs] and Goose [Philips].
 
"Johnny [Zamites] and Ben [Closson] hit some lasers today and really gave a boost to that part of our order. 
 
"We produced runs with hits or quality outs when we needed them and picked up a very important win.
 
"Elmira applied pressure with a lot of small-ball, and I expect they will try to do the same tomorrow.  We'll need to get off to a better start, but I like the way we continue to battle." –Coach Brian Reitnour
 
UP NEXT:
The Highlanders take only a few hours off before returning to the Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex tomorrow morning to finish the series with the Soaring Eagles.  As the last regular season home series for the Highlanders, the team will honor their five seniors prior to the start of the first game.  First pitch of tomorrow's doubleheader is slated for 1:00 p.m.