Houghton wins, claims top spot in Over 50 softball regular season
TAPIOLA — Houghton claimed the top spot in the Over 50 Softball League Thursday night despite losing its season finale.
A loss by South Range in the first game gave Houghton the title and the top spot in the upcoming playoffs next week.
Baraga scored a 13-9 win over Range behind three-hit games by winning pitcher Steve Giddings and Charlie Kemppainen. Five other players picked up two hits apiece for Baraga (3-5).
Don Cvengros was the losing pitcher.
Ron Wilander, Mike Cook and Jim Puotinen picked up three hits each for Range (5-3).
Tapiola surprised Houghton by an 8-2 score in the second game last night.
Len Juntunen was the winning pitcher for Tapiola (3-5) and also cracked out three hits.
Ray Duquette, Mike Roth, “Radar” Wanhala and Jim Sullivan added two apiece.
Steve Dunstan was the losing pitcher for Houghton (5-3), which received three hits from Dave Usitalo. D.J. Schmitz and Tom LeGault had two hits apiece.
On Monday, Houghton meets Tapiola at 6:15 p.m., while Range and Baraga clash at 7:15 p.m. The tournament is double-elimination.