The Salem Wildcat varsity dropped to 0-4 on the early season with a pair of losses in the PBR Showcase at Belleville West on Saturday. Salem opened with a 10-0 loss to Washington as they only had 1 hit in the game, a Colton Shelton single. Salem had just 4 base runners all game. Noah Nix took the loss going 2 innings allowing 4 hits and 3 runs with 3 strikeouts. Cooper Lobek, Deyton Parker and Cody Beard also got some work on the mound for Salem.
The Cats then fell to Galesburg 16-7. Salem trailed 6-2 after 3 innings but came back to tie the game in the top of the 6th at 7. Galesburg would plate 9 runs in the sixth inning to pull out the win. Shelton took the loss in relieve of Rhett Detering. At the plate, Rhett Detering and Josh Powless each doubled and drove in 2 runs with RBI also from Nix, Gavin Zimmermann and Beard. Jalen Inlow had 2 hits and 3 runs. Salem returns to action Tuesday with a home game against Benton.
The Salem JV split their double header with Johnston City at home on Saturday to run their record to 2-2 on the year. In the opener, Salem pulled out an 8-6 comeback win. Salem trailed 5-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning when they would plate 7 runs and take the lead. Payton Gullion was the starting pitcher allowing 3 hits and 2 runs in 4.1 innings with 2 strikeouts. He earned the no decision as Avery Gullion came in and got the win in relief going 2.2 allowing 5 hits and 3 earned. At the plate, Eli Lograsso and Colton Rogers had 2 RBI. Payton Gullion drove in a run with runs rom Keytin Grawe, Carter Lowe, AVery Gullioin, Aden Rostance and Hudson Gambill.
Salem then dropped the 2nd game 2-0. Evan Barnes threw well going all 5 innings allowing 5 hits and no earned runs with 5 strikeouts. Grawe had the only Salem hit. The JV Cats will also be in action at home Tuesday at the Little League Complex against Benton.
