ELMIRA, NY— Four-run innings in the fourth and seventh lifted the Elmira Soaring Eagles past the Houghton Highlanders, 12-5, on Friday night's series opener at Dunn Field.
 
The Highlanders opened a quick two-run lead in the top of the first when Caleb Philips plated Wayne Rode and Jeremy Newswanger.
 
After Elmira tied the score with single runs in the first and second, Houghton took a 5-2 lead in the top of the fourth on three hits and a pair of Soaring Eagle errors.
 
Elmira, however, would push four runs across in the bottom half of the inning to take a 6-5 lead. 
 
Houghton would threaten in the fifth and the eighth, stranding a pair of runners in both frames, but could draw no closer. Elmira would tack on single runs in the fifth and sixth and add four more in the seventh.   
 
GAME VITALS                           
Score: Houghton - 5 | Elmira - 12
Records: Houghton: 5-10 (0-1 Empire 8) | Elmira: 3-12 (1-0 Empire 8)
Venue: Dunn Field, Elmira, NY | Attendance: 50
 
KEY STATS:
>> Holden Deres picked up his second loss of the season for Houghton, pitching 6.1 innings.  Aaron Monroe completed the game, tossing 1.2 innings while not allowing a run.
 
>> Newswanger, Rode and Philips each collected two hits apiece.  Jared Couch added a double for the Highlanders.
 
>> Elmira knocked out a season-high 13 hits in today's game.  Their 12 runs scored is also a season-best.
 
COACH'S CORNER:
"Give credit to Elmira on this one.  They had a number of big hits, particularly with two outs, made some big plays in the field, and received a solid pitching performance from [Nick] Cottone.
 
"We made a few costly mistakes that won't show up in the box score, and we let their pitcher dictate the pace of play too much in the middle innings, but the story of the game is how well they hit. 
 
"I'm looking forward to getting back on track tomorrow." –Coach Brian Reitnour
 
 UP NEXT:
The Highlanders return to action tomorrow, as they return to Elmira for a doubleheader starting at 12:30 p.m.