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Chassell, Houghton take openers of Over 50 playoffs

Paul Peterson/For the Gazette Andy Heikkinen of Tapiola cuts at a pitch in Monday's Over 50 Softball League playoff game versus Houghton. Houghton was an 11-5 victor.

TAPIOLA — Chassell built up a big lead against South Range in an opening round Over 50 Softball League playoff game Monday night and hung on to record a 14-10 win.

Chassell held a 12-1 lead after four innings before Range tallied six runs in the fifth and three in the sixth.

“It was starting to look a little shaky for awhile,” Chassell manager Arnie Putala. “But we held on.”

Daryl Putala led the winners with four hits, while Jay LeClaire supplied the power with two doubles and a triple.

Jerry Fish added three raps, while winning pitcher Steve Giddings, Pat Duguay and Gordy Sedar had two each.

Mike Carey had four hits for Range, with Brien Ricci chipping in three more. Losing pitcher Todd Huotari, Glenn Mitchell, and Mark Miller had two hits each.

In the second game, Houghton rallied for an 11-5 win over underdog Tapiola.

Trailing by a 5-2 score in the fifth, top seed Houghton grabbed a 6-5 lead and added five more afterward.

“We’ve had trouble against Tapiola all season,” Houghton manager Dave Usitalo said. “Len (Juntunen) gives us fits.”

Jed Pollard and Kevin Tormala cracked put three hits each for the victors, while Usitalo, Scott Madajewski and Ray Alatalo were all good for two safeties apiece.

Rory Duquette laced four hits for Tapiola, with Scott Hall and Dick Franti each adding two more.

Steve Dunstan was the winner, Juntunen took the loss.

Houghton and Chassell meet at 6:15 p.m. in the semifinals. Tapiola and South Range play at 7:30 in the loser’s bracket.

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