TAPIOLA — Houghton grabbed an early 6-0 lead and coasted to a 10-2 win over Baraga on Monday night in the Over 50 Softball League playoffs.

Houghton built its early lead after three innings.

Jim Perrin, Dan Eikenberry and Dave Usitalo led the offense for the victors with three safeties apiece. Winning pitcher Tom LeGault chipped in two hits.

Pat Duguay, Daryl Putala and John Knuuttila picked up three hits each for Baraga, while losing pitcher Steve Giddings and Charlie Kemppainen laced out two.

Houghton advanced to the winner’s bracket next Monday against the winner of Thursday’s loser’s bracket game between Baraga and South Range, which defeated Tapiola last night by a 10-3 score.

Range broke open the game with six runs in the sixth inning.

Dave Fehringer had three hits for Range and Bernie Hibblin added two more. Mike Harkonen and Dave Wanhala Jr. counted two raps for Tapiola.

Joe Rossi was the winner, Len Juntunen the losing pitcher.