DUBOIS, Pennsylvania - After a drama filled game yesterday, the Salem baseball team had their work cut out for themselves today as they tried to claw back into contention for the title at the USCAA Small College World Series in Dubois, Pennsylvania. They faced a familiar foe as well with their third matchup against the Mustangs of Mid-Atlantic Christian. While Salem controlled the game most of the way, the Tigers ultimately fell to the Mustangs 7-6, despite an impressive 10 hits on the day. 

Salem got off to a great start by scoring in both the first and second innings. Tyler Shinn got things started with an RBI single in the first, and Aaron Forbes added a RBI double in the next inning. Nathan Kuhn also brought in another run in the second with an RBI bunt single. Shinn and Forbes continued their strong days at the plate by bringing in a combined three more runs from singles in the third and fifth innings, respectively. However, the 6-3 lead the Tigers built up to that point was not enough to survive the coming Mustangs rally. Mid-Atlantic Christian added 4 runs in the fifth and sixth innings to defeat Salem 7-6. On the mound, despite the loss, Jaryd Lund struck out 6 in 6 innings of work for a complete game. 

While this loss ends the Salem baseball postseason run, the Tigers still have a lot to hang their hats on this season. They wrapped up the year with a 31-27 record, the best record since 2019, and a New South Athletic Conference Title. Head Coach JT Heenan and his squad should be primed to build on that success for the spring campaign of 2024.