HOUGHTON, NY— After jumping out to a 10-0 lead after three innings, the Houghton Highlanders did their best to make things interesting, before hanging on to defeat the SUNY Poly Wildcats, 12-9.
 
After scoring a run in the first, the Highlanders exploded for seven runs in the second, then tacked on two more in the third.
 
But in the top of the fourth, the Wildcats scored six runs on three hits and three crucial Houghton defensive errors.
 
Christian Tortorici doubled home a pair in the seventh to push the Houghton lead to 12-6.
 
Finally, Poly plated three runs in the top of the ninth before Lukas Cornell slammed the door shut, stranding two runners and giving Houghton the win.
 
GAME VITALS                            
Score: SUNY Poly – 9 | Houghton – 12  
Records: SUNY Poly: 8-7 (4-2 Empire 8) | Houghton: 9-7 (3-4 Empire 8)  
Venue: Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex Baseball Field, Houghton University | Attendance: 85
  
KEY STATS: 
>> Tortorici finished 4-for-4 with three doubles, a triple, a walk and six RBI.  It was his second four-hit game this season, and his seventh multi-hit game.  He currently boasts a team-best .439 average and has 25 hits so far this season.
 
>> Qingyang Feng and James Nelson both went 2-for-4 at the plate.
 
>> Aiden Talcott picked up his third win of the year, throwing six innings, while allowing five hits, one walk, two earned runs, and striking out two.  The win ties Talcott for second most all-time (13) with Ryan Newtown (2021-23.  He now trails only first-placeholder, Ethan Cetton (2021-25), who had 17 career wins.
 
UP NEXT: 
The Highlanders and Wildcats return to the Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex tomorrow at noon for a doubleheader to complete the three-game set.