DUBOIS, Pennsylvania- Following the semifinal victory, the Salem Tigers Baseball team had one more task to do. The Tigers were now competing for the USCAA Small College World Series Championship in a rematch against the Penn State Mont Alto Nittany Lions. The Nittany Lions were able to get the early lead, but a massive 2
nd inning led Salem to be the champions. Salem defeated Penn State Mont Alto 8-3 to claim the USCAA Championship.
It would be Erik Kovach getting the start on the mound for Salem. In the top of the 1
st, the Nittany Lions opened the game up with a 2-run homer to right field.
Hunter Rose would answer back for Salem in the bottom of the 2
nd with a grand slam to right field.
Jose Lojo,
Kylian Izaguirre, and
Jacob Hurley all scored on the play to give the Tigers the 4-2 advantage.
Aaron Forbes followed that up with a 2-run homer of his own.
Reese Rinna scored. However, the Tigers weren't finished in the 2
nd as
Jacob Hurley hit a 2 rbi single to knock in
Joe Wintermute and
Luis Angarita.
After the massive 2
nd inning, the Tigers now had a commanding 8-2 lead. The Nittany Lions were able to get some hits but couldn't get anything on in the run column. In the 6
th, the Nittany Lions were able to get on the board with a rbi double. Fortunately, Salem was able to close out the game to secure the championship victory by a final of 8-3.
Salem USCAA Tournament Awards
Hunter Rose Tournament MVP
Jose Lojo All-Tournament Team
Jacob Hurley All-Tournament Team
Aaron Forbes All-Tournament Team
As the season ends, the Tigers will now reflect on an incredible postseason run. With that championship win, Salem now finishes the season above .500. Head Coach
Kassidy Gaines and staff will now head into the offseason after a successful postseason. The Tigers will now look to keep the momentum rolling into next season and capture more success.