CONWAY, S.C. — The Houghton University baseball team used timely hitting and a strong performance from its pitching staff to defeat Otterbein Cardinals baseball, 8–3, on Saturday morning.
The Highlanders improved to 6–2 on the season while Otterbein fell to 1–5.
How It Happened
Houghton struck first in the opening inning. Christian Tortorici delivered an RBI single to score JD Robinson, and Nate Hall followed with a sacrifice fly to give the Highlanders a 2–0 lead.
The Highlanders extended their lead in the fifth inning. Qingyang Feng drove in Robinson with an RBI double before another run scored on an Otterbein throwing error, pushing the advantage to 4–0.
Otterbein answered with three runs in the bottom of the fifth to cut the deficit to 4–3, but Houghton responded immediately. In the sixth inning, Feng tripled to right field to bring home Derek Ebersole, and another run scored on a wild pitch to make it 6–3.
Houghton added insurance runs in the ninth inning when Willan Armes reached on a fielder's choice that allowed Nate Hall to score, and Matt Riddell followed with a sacrifice fly to plate Vincent Lucyszyn, giving the Highlanders the final 8–3 margin.
At the Plate
On the Mound
Aiden Talcott earned the win for Houghton, pitching 5.0 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits while striking out six.
The Highlander bullpen closed the game effectively:
Houghton pitchers combined to hold Otterbein to three hits while striking out nine.
Up Next
The Highlanders return home and get back in action when they host Hilbert on Tuesday, March 17.
