The old saying goes, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.”
That couldn’t have been more fitting for Tony Etnier Country Financial, which bounced back from an opening-game loss to win the final two contests of the best-of-three Salem Little League City Series, capping the championship with a 14-7 victory over Sager Insurance in Wednesday night’s decisive Game 3.
After dropping Game 1, Tony Etnier Country Financial responded with consecutive wins to secure the 2026 City Series championship, showcasing a balanced offensive attack and timely pitching throughout the final two games.
Payton Etnier put together one of the most impressive individual performances of the series. After going a perfect 3-for-3 in Game 2, Etnier followed it up with another flawless night at the plate in the championship game, finishing 4-for-4. Over the final two games of the series, he reached base safely in all seven of his official at-bats.
Lewis Eddy also turned in a standout performance in the title-clinching victory. Eddy went 3-for-4 while driving in five runs, helping power the offense during a crucial Game 3.
Gibson Collins contributed offensively with two hits and then took care of the final three outs on the mound. As the final out was recorded, the celebration began for Tony Etnier Country Financial as players, coaches and families gathered to celebrate the City Series championship.
Sager Insurance battled throughout the contest and was led offensively by Eli Polanski, who finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
The championship marks a memorable finish to the 2026 Salem Little League season for Tony Etnier Country Financial. After facing an early series deficit, the team responded with resilience, timely hitting and a complete team effort to claim the city title.
Congratulations to head coaches Tyler Lux and Tony Etnier, their coaching staff, and the entire Tony Etnier Country Financial team on capturing the 2026 Salem Little League City Series Championship.
