HORSEHEADS, NY— Nate Hall hit a pair of home runs, including a first inning grand slam that gave the Houghton Highlanders all the offense they would need, as they defeated the Elmira Soaring Eagles in the opening game of a three-game set, 9-0.
 
Christopher Gross continued his lights-out streak, tossing six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and one walk, while striking out eight. 
 
Brett Rosario and Mark Lewandowski combined to throw the final three innings to keep the shutout intact.
 
GAME VITALS                           
Score: Houghton – 9  |  Elmira – 0
Records: Houghton: 17-16 (8-11 Empire 8) |  Elmira: 11-21 (5-13 Empire 8)
Venue: Holding Point Recreation Center | Attendance: 113
 
KEY STATS:
>> In Gross's last two starts he has not given up a run over 12 innings, allowed only three hits, and struck out 22 batters.
 
>> Kanta Ueno's hitting streak came to end at 13 games, as he went 0-for-3 with two walks.  Ueno is one hit away from tying the Highlanders' single-season record set by Michael Knapp in 2017.
 
>> Qingyang Feng hit is 13^th double of the year, three shy of the single-season record set by Taylor Huntsman in 2016 and matched by Tage Johnson in 2018.  He is also three bases shy of Wayne Rode's 2021 record of 81 total bases (Rode accomplished the fete in only 27 games played).
 
>> Hall finished 2-for-5 with a pair of home runs and five RBI, while Vincent Lucyszyn and Jeremiah Chow collected two hits apiece.
 
COACH'S CORNER:
"This was a good quality win for us.  Chris [Gross] has been so good in the second half of this season.  He's figured some things out and has been nearly unhittable. 
 
"We had clutch hits when we needed them, made some quality plays defensively, and our pitchers threw incredibly well.  That's a recipe for success.
 
"If our guys stay locked in, we can do some more damage tomorrow." – Head Coach Brian Reitnour
 
UP NEXT:
The Highlanders return to Horseheads on Saturday for a doubleheader against the Soaring Eagles beginning at 1:00 p.m.