Highlanders Explode for 13 Runs in Win over Eastern Mennonite
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- Houghton baseball used a six-run first inning to take control early and cruised to a 13-6 win over Eastern Mennonite University in Florida on Wednesday.
Eastern Mennonite scored twice in the top of the first, but the Highlanders responded with five hits and six runs in the bottom half of the frame. Houghton batted through the order as Enrico Sukhdeo (singled), Michael Knapp, Mike Kerr (single), Brett Rapan (double) and Chris McKay (double) each registered hits.
Three more hits led to three runs in the bottom of the second. Kerr drove in Seth Cornell with an RBI single before Tommy Walker hit his first home run as a Highlander to bring Kerr home.
EMU scored twice in the third and twice in the sixth to pull within 9-6, but Houghton got two more runs in the bottom of the sixth to pull ahead 11-6. Sukhdeo led off with a single, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch to get into scoring position. Cornell singled in Sukhdeo and Kerr drove in Cornell with a sac fly two batters later. Knapp had advanced Cornell to third with a double.
Houghton finished the scoring with two more runs in the bottom of the eighth.
Five Highlanders recorded at least two hits on the day, led by Knapp's 3-for-5 performance. Sukhdeo, Cornell, Kerr and McKay each had two hits. Walker had a home run, walked three times and scored three runs. Cornell also scored three times, while Kerr and Knapp came across the plate twice.
Houghton finished with seven stolen bases by six different players. Walker led the team with two swipes.
Alex Gowing started on the mound, giving up six runs on five hits in 5 and 1/3 innings. Kyle Flemington got the save in 3 and 2/3 innings of work.
Houghton (3-1) is back in action with a single game game against Milwaukee School of Engineering on Thursday at 10:30 a.m.