The Salem Wildcats finished their opening week of the baseball season 1-2 after splitting weekend games in the Metro East for the PBR Kickoff Classic. Salem lost to Naperville Central Saturday morning at Belleville East High School 11-1. The Cats could only muster 3 hits, 2 from Hunter Daniels and the other from Griffin Day. Isaak Williams drove in Daniels for the only Salem run. For Naperville, junior catcher and Vanderbilt signee Colin Barczi did not disappoint going 3-4 with 2 RBI including a triple and long home run according to Salem coach Brian Lipe was the furthest ball he’s seen hit by a high school athlete. Nick Gregg, Tyler Tanner and Brogan Gregg each worked in the loss for the Cats.
Salem bounced back with their first win of the season knocking off Lasalle/Peru at GCS Stadium 9-5. Salem trailed 3-0 after 3 innings before putting a 3 spot up in the fourth and trailing 5-4 after the fifth Salem scored 5 in the final 2 innings. Aden Susmena, Daniels, Gavin Zimmermann and Day all doubled. Salem got 2 hits from Day, Williams and Susmena with RBI from Daniels, Day, Williams, Charlie Hunter, Zimermmann, Eli Rose and Susmena. Carter Rose got the win in relief of Griffin Day going an inning allowing 2 hits and 2 runs. Day went 4 innings allowing 5 hits and 3 runs.
Salem is scheduled to host Benton tomorrow, but due to the weather conditions this week they are trying to move that game to this afternoon. Salem also has a road game Wednesday at Charleston and then at home against Centralia on Thursday.
In other PBR action, Mt Vernon improved to 3-1 on the season with their 5-3 win over Washington High and Bradley bound left handed pitcher Gus Lucas.
After having this weekend’s opener rained out, the South Central Cougars will try to open up defense of their 1a state baseball title when they play at Fairfield this afternoon.
