UTICA, NY— The Utica Pioneers put up nine runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to defeat the Houghton Highlanders, 14-2, in a run-shortened game.
The Highlanders struck first when
Qingyang Feng laced a triple to right-center in the opening frame, scoring
Vincent Lucyszyn from first.
Utica evened the score in the third on a bases loaded hit-by-pitch, then scored three in the fourth on a homerun from Ty Montrose and two balls lost in the sun by the Highlanders.
Houghton got a run back in the top of the fifth after
Christian Tortorici crushed his 12
th double of the season to right and scored after
James Nelson laced a base hit to left and the leftfielder overran the ball.
The Pioneers then rapped out nine hits and picked up a walk and two hit-by-pitch in the sixth to put the game out of reach. The first 11 batters of the inning reached safely.
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton - 2 | Utica – 14 (7 IN)
Records: Houghton: 11-14 (3-12 Empire 8) | Utica: 15-12 (6-7 Empire 8)
Venue: Utica University Baseball Field, Utica, NY | Attendance: 104
KEY STATS:
>> Seven Houghton starters collected a hit, and all nine reached base safely. Nelson was the lone Houghton hitter to collect two hits, going 2-for-4.
>> Houghton struck out 13 times and left 10 men on base.
UP NEXT:
The Highlanders return to Utica tomorrow for a doubleheader beginning at 12:00 p.m.