Houghtaling Sparks the Generals' Offense

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- The Pittsfield baseball team geared up for its third game of the week Wednesday afternoon, coming off of a 3-1 loss to Wahconah Tuesday.

Austin Houghtaling was the spark that the Generals needed in an 8-1 win over Drury at Joe Wolfe Field.

The Blue Devils took an early 1-0 lead, and Pittsfield got on board in the third inning with an RBI single from Anthony Jones. But it was in the top of the fourth when Houghtaling hit one deep to center field, earning a double and bringing home Simon Nassif to go ahead, 2-1.

From there the bats lit up; following Houghtaling's double, Denis Cooney hit an RBI single and Chad Shade earned an RBI triple. Pittsfield led 4-1 after the fourth inning.

"Austin Houghtaling's hit in the fourth inning was a big hit," Pittsfield coach Bob Moynihan said. "That put us ahead and got us going, he was the spark."

Drury came out in the bottom of the fourth with Schuyler Robinson leading off and getting on base; his hit was followed by a hit from Jake Tatro that went deep to center field, Robinson attempted to go home, but Pittsfield's center fielder threw to home getting an out. Drury's next two batters were thrown out at first, leaving the lead with the Generals.

It was in the sixth inning when Pittsfield put their final four runs on the board for the 8-1 victory; they came from Chad Shade, Shane Tierney, Houghtaling, and Cooney.

Pittsfield and Drury split for the regular season; the Blue Devils defeated the Generals last Thursday 6-3 at their home field.

Sam Fick pitched in both of the outings with Drury. On Wednsday, he went all seven innings, striking out three.

"Certainly a different game today then last week," Moynihan said. "We kept pounding the ball and they threw the ball around and it helped us a bit, we've had three in a row and we have two more this week to go so we've had a lot of games and these kids are tired so this was a good win."

Pittsfield plays at Taconic Friday afternoon at 4:30. Drury travels to Wahconah Thursday afternoon for a 4:15 p.m. start.