SALEM — Despite out-hitting Centralia 7-5, the Salem Wildcats were unable to capitalize on their opportunities Tuesday night, falling 6-3 in summer league baseball action at Salem.
Salem grabbed an early lead in the bottom of the first inning. Luke Boldt delivered an RBI single to bring home the game’s first run and put the Wildcats in front 1-0.
The lead held until the fifth inning when Centralia took advantage of several free passes to surge ahead. Williams drew a bases-loaded walk to force in a run before Lambert followed with a two-run single, giving Centralia a 3-1 advantage.
The Wildcats responded in the bottom half of the inning. Nicholi Marhanka drove in a run with a groundout as Salem rallied to tie the game at 3-3 and set up a tense finish.
Centralia regained control in the sixth inning. A fielder’s choice off the bat of Gabe Houser plated the go-ahead run before Snow added an insurance run with a steal of home, extending the lead to 5-3. Centralia tacked on another run later in the inning to secure the three-run victory.
Damon Jennings led Salem offensively with a pair of hits, while Evan Barnes and Marhanka each recorded an RBI. The Wildcats were aggressive on the basepaths, swiping seven stolen bases as a team. Logan Butts led the effort with two steals.
Salem also played a clean defensive game, committing no errors. Owen Tennyson anchored the defense with a team-high nine putouts.
Jax Schaubert turned in a solid start on the mound, allowing three runs on three hits over 4 2/3 innings while striking out four. Max Vincent was charged with the loss in relief.
Centralia’s Snow earned the win after working five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out four. Lambert drove in two runs for Centralia, while Aydt paced the visitors with two hits.
Patience at the plate proved to be a key factor for Centralia, which drew 10 walks and stole five bases in the contest.
The loss drops Salem in summer league play as the Wildcats look to bounce back in their next outing.
