Baseball Game Preview: Salem Sundevils vs. Kellam Knights

The Salem Sundevils will take on the Kellam Knights at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams are strolling into their matchups after big wins in their previous games.

Salem headed into their last contest having not scored more than two runs for four straight, but Green Run let them put that streak behind them. The Sundevils were the clear victors by a 17-4 margin over the Stallions on Tuesday. The high-scoring performance was a welcome turnaround for the Sundevils' hitters, who had struggled in the games prior.

Zachary Rigsby

Batters Struck Out

04/01/25 @ Green Run	5
03/26/25 @ Oscar Smith	12
03/19/25 vs Kempsville	5

Zachary Rigsby was a major factor no matter where he played. He pitched 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Cole Cooper, who went 1-for-3 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. Those RBI marked the first that he brought in this season. Leo Alvarado was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances.

Salem hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Green Run struck out nine times.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Kellam). They never let Tallwood get on the board and left with a 12-0 win on Tuesday. The high-scoring effort was just what the Knights needed considering they were shut out in their previous game.

Salem's first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-4. As for Kellam, the win snapped their losing streak at three games and leaves them with a 2-4 record.

Salem suffered a grim 16-5 defeat to Kellam in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Sundevils avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.