Salem had lost ten straight at home dating back to last season, but on Friday they dropped their record down to 2-8 to make it 11. They came up short against the Norview Pilots, falling 17-10. The Sundevils were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Pilots apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in April of 2024.
Jacob Warren and Zachary Rigsby were huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. Throwing, Warren struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off four hits. Meanwhile, Rigsby didn't allow a single earned run while striking out ten over 5.2 innings pitched. At bat, Warren went 2-for-6 with four RBI, one run, and one double, while Rigsby got on base in four of his six plate appearances with two stolen bases and three runs. That double was Warren's first of the season.
In other batting news, Landen Stice made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and got on base in three of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases and one RBI. Those stolen bases were his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Cole Cooper, who went 3-for-6 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
As for Norview, the victory got them back to even at 5-5. Considering they have won three games by more than six runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Like Salem, Norview also got a great game from a two-way player: Jamil Moreta. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out ten over five innings pitched. Moreta has been consistent: he hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Those three hits gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Malaki Littlejohn was incredible, getting on base in four of his seven plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI. He has become a key player for Norview: the team is 3-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 2-4 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Jay Leigh, who went 3-for-6 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Salem will square off against Tallwood at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Sundevils are facing the Lions at the right time seeing as the Lions are stuck on a six-game losing streak. As for Norview, they will take on Booker T. Washington at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.
