LANGHORNE, PA- In a must-win contest against the Neumann Knights, the Highlanders kept rolling using a seven run second inning to defeat Neumann and keep their playoff hopes alive.
 
After a huge win against the Knights earlier this week, the Highlanders traveled to Neumann to finish up their series in a game with massive playoff implications.  Known all year to have a penchant for big innings, the Highlanders hung seven runs on Neumann in the top of the second to set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. After Daniel Morales flew out, the next seven Highlanders would reach base, beginning with back-to-back doubles from Brett Marks and Alejandro Fernandez.  Fernandez came around to score on Emilio Alvarez's grounder, Jonathan Jaynes walked, and Andrew Philips singled scoring Alvarez on an error by the center fielder. With two men on, Jake Allen showed his experience, watching four straight pitches go by to load the bases for Brian Amantia. After a blazing hot start to the season, Amantia missed some time with a hamstring injury and has been slowly working his way back to full strength over the last two weeks.  However, this afternoon the freshman showed no signs of injury when he unloaded on a 2-2 fastball, driving the ball deep over the right field fence for the first grand slam of his collegiate career. Staked to a commanding 7-0 lead, Emilio Alvarez and Sam Dralle showed their grit, pitching out of a couple jams and overpowering the daunting Neumann offense.  With the score set at 7-3, Coach Phill Shallenberger turned to Morales once again to shut the door and after giving up an early single, Morales struck out the final two batters to complete the Highlanders pressure-packed victory.
 
The Highlanders travel to Clarks Summit this Friday for their final two games of the regular season. With a chance at the CSAC playoffs firmly in their sights, the Highlanders will seek two more wins to cap off an already stellar season.