DAVENPORT, FL— A 10-run explosion in the top of the seventh by the Houghton Highlanders turned a 1-1 game into a victory over the John Jay Bloodhounds, 12-4, for their third consecutive victory.
 
Houghton opened the scoring with a run in the third, but the Bloodhounds answered in the bottom of the fifth, tying the score at one.
 
But in the top of the seventh, the Highlanders unloaded for 10 runs on nine hits, including four for extra bases, putting them up, 11-1. 
 
The Blooodhounds avoided the 10-run rule by plating two runs in the bottom half of the inning, and the two teams each scored an additional run to finish the game.
 
Houghton starter Will Tormey received a no-decision after tossing five innings and allowing only one run on five hits and three walks, striking out three.
 
Tyler Gibson picked up his first collegiate win with a scoreless sixth inning.
 
GAME VITALS                           
Score: Houghton – 12 | John Jay – 4
Records: Houghton: 3-3 | John Jay: 0-3
Venue: Northeast Regional Park, Field #4 | Attendance: 52
 
KEY STATS:
>> The Highlanders outhit the Bloodhounds, 17-10, but allowed nine walks, while John Jay issued only four.
 
>> Jose Morales went 4-for-5 with two runs, three RBIs, a double and a stolen base, raising his team-leading batting average to .421.
 
>> Dylan Boprey, Sebastian Rodriguez, Ethan Cetton and Isaac Mann all collected two hits apiece for the Highlanders.
 
>> John Jay starter Sean Jost, kept the Houghton hitters off-balance through six innings, earning a no-decision, while allowing only one run on six hits and one walk, striking out two.
 
COACH'S CORNER:
"It was a little bit of a rough start for us, and I credit their pitcher for keeping us off-balance through the first six innings.  We finally broke through in the seventh and combined a multi-dimensional attack—a couple bunts, some big hits and a pressure on the bases. 
 
"Will [Tormey] gave us a solid outing on the mound.  He changed speeds and varied his looks with runners on base.  They just didn't seem to be able to put anything together in combination off him today.  He's come a long way since arriving last spring, and he learns a little more every time out." –Head Coach Brian Reitnour
 
UP NEXT:
 Houghton will return to action on Thursday in Fort Pierce, Florida, when they will match up with SUNY Maritime for a doubleheader beginning at 11:00 a.m.