Houghton University baseball split a doubleheader with St. Joseph's University Long Island on Friday in Myrtle Beach. The Highlanders dropped the opener 9–5 before bouncing back with a strong offensive performance to win the nightcap 15–5.
Game 1 — St. Joseph's (L.I.) 9, Houghton 5
The Highlanders held a narrow lead late but a big seventh inning by St. Joseph's turned the game in the Golden Eagles' favor. A three-run triple by Paul McNally highlighted the rally as St. Joseph's pushed across five runs in the frame to secure the win.
Houghton produced four runs through the middle innings to stay in front for much of the game before the late swing. The Highlanders finished with several timely hits and kept pressure on the bases but were unable to answer the late surge.
Game 2 — Houghton 15, St. Joseph's (L.I.) 5
Houghton responded in a big way in the second game, scoring six runs in the first inning and building a large early lead. The Highlanders continued to add on with multi-run innings in the second and third to take control of the contest.
Offensive Highlights:
Houghton finished with 16 hits in the game and scored in four different innings to keep steady pressure on the St. Joseph's pitching staff.
Pitching:
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Conner Benitez earned the win, allowing four runs over 5.2 innings while striking out six.
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Lukas Cornell closed out the final innings in relief to secure the victory.
The split moves the Highlanders forward in their spring trip as they continue their early-season slate in Myrtle Beach.
