Salem took down Belleville East 9-7 on Wednesday.
Salem got on the board in the top of the first inning after Keytin Grawe singled to center field, Brody Collier singled down the left field line, and Owen Tennyson hit a sacrifice fly, each scoring one run.
Belleville East flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the first, scoring five runs on three hits to take the lead, 5-3. The biggest blow in the inning was a double by Brody Lindemann that drove in one.
Salem tied the game up in the top of the second thanks to two singles. The Wildcats tied the game at five on a single by Logan Butts.
Salem made the score 9-5 in the top of the third after Eli LoGrasso drew a walk, scoring one run, Grawe grounded out, scoring one run, and Luke Boldt singled, scoring two runs.
Brenden Smith earned the win. The starting pitcher surrendered six hits and six runs over three and two-thirds innings, striking out one and walking five. Reid Neumayer took the loss for Belleville East. The pitcher went one and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs on four hits, striking out one and walking four. Aaden Rostance collected the save including a bases loaded, full-count strikeout to end the game.
Grawe led Salem with three runs batted in. The left fielder went 2-for-4 on the day. LoGrasso paced Salem with four walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, amassing seven walks for the game. Salem ran wild on the base paths, amassing five stolen bases for the game. The Cats turned one double play in the game.
Belleville East accumulated nine hits in the game. Adam Smith, Neumayer, and Logan Walter each collected two hits for Belleville East. Connor Gray led Belleville East with two runs batted in. The third baseman went 1-for-4 on the day. Neumayer paced Belleville East with two walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, amassing six walks for the game.
Next up for Salem is a game at Breese Central on Thursday.
