FREEPORT — Freeport starting pitcher Luke Mariotti was perfect for half his outing on Tuesday.

The other half was simply stellar.

Mariotti twirled a complete game, struck out eight and allowed zero earned runs during Freeport’s 6-1 victory over Highlands on Tuesday at Swartz Field.

The senior didn’t allow a baserunner until the Rams’ Ryan Richards singled up the middle with two outs in the fourth inning and the Yellowjackets had already built a 5-0 cushion.

Mariotti tossed a four-hitter and walked just one in the 98-pitch performance.

“I’m really pleased with what Luke did today. He kept his pitches down and we made good plays behind him,” said Freeport coach Chris Graczyk. “I can’t ask anything more from him.”

Mariotti helped himself early in the game with an RBI single to score Dustin Koedel in the first inning. Freeport eventually loaded the bases with no outs, but Highlands starter Mike Helgert wiggled out of trouble to limit the damage.

However, the ’Jackets added another run in the second after Ryley Cowan hit a leadoff single, advanced to third on a pair of wild pitches and scored on Brendon Zack’s sacrifice fly to right field.

Freeport (4-1) seized complete control in the third frame, as the first four batters reached base.

Noah Shannon doubled before Damon Smith drove him in with a single. Josh Beale drew a walk, Smith scored on a sac fly from Cowan and Zack singled home Beale to cap the rally and give the Yellowjackets a 5-0 advantage.

“Freeport is a good baseball team,” said Highlands coach Jeff Weissert. “They hit the ball well today. They came out with solid base hits.”

“I think we’re balanced through the lineup. They play well together,” said Gracyzk. “They pick each other up. They’re a really close unit and I think that makes a difference.”

The Rams scratched a run across in the top of the sixth when Tyler Alworth walked, moved to second on a single from Richards and stole third. The throw skipped past the base and into left field, allowing Alworth to scoot home.

Highlands (1-2) was blanked 12-0 by Knoch on Monday and Weissert hopes to see more offense from his team soon.

“I know the defense is going to get us through some things, but we have to get better at the plate,” said the Highlands coach. “We need to find a way to put runs on the board.”

Freeport capped the scoring in the bottom of the sixth. Danny Fetchko was plunked and came around to score on a Swartz single. It was the only run Highlands reliever Steve Magdenick allowed in three innings of work. He fanned three and walked none.

“That was his first varsity action this season,” said Weissert. “He threw a good game.”

Mariotti finished with a flourish, setting down the Rams in order to end the game.

Highlands walked off the field with a loss, but was happy for the opportunity to play. Freeport was scheduled to host Springdale, but the Dynamos backed out Tuesday morning.

“I got a call this morning from the AD, saying ‘Jeff, do you want to play Freeport today?’ I said, ‘Yeah, absolutely,’” Weissert explained. “We played Knoch yesterday and didn’t do very well. It was a little bit more game-time action for them.”

“When Springdale called and canceled, we went looking for a game,” said Graczyk. “Highlands wanted to play and I’m glad they did.”

Highlands 000 001 0 — 1 4 0

Freeport 113 001 x — 6 10 1

W: Luke Mariotti 7 IP (8K, 1BB). L: Mike Helgert 3 IP (0K, 3BB).

Highlands (1-2): Nick Festa 1B; Tyler Alworth R; Ryan Richards 2-1B; Mike Helgert 1B

Freeport (4-1): Dustin Koedel 1B, R; Luke Mariotti 2-1B, RBI; Danny Fetchko R; Matt Swartz 2-1B, RBI; Noah Shannon 2B, R; Damon Smith 1B, R, RBI; Josh Beale R; Ryley Cowan 2-1B, R, RBI; Brendon Zack 1B, 2-RBI

Friday: Freeport at Burrell, 3:30 p.m.