PEMBROKE, N.C. – The Salem Tigers (0-3) faced a challenging opening weekend on the road, dropping all three games of their non-conference series against a potent UNC Pembroke (5-0) squad at Sammy Cox Field. Despite flashes of offensive production, the Tigers were unable to overcome big innings from the Braves throughout the weekend.

Game 1: Braves 10, Tigers 1

Salem struck first in the series opener on Friday when Landon Baker drove in Aaron Forbes with a sacrifice fly in the second inning to take an early 1-0 lead. However, the Braves responded immediately with a solo home run in the bottom of the second and never looked back. UNC Pembroke broke the game open with three-run frames in both the third and seventh innings.

Salem's Aaron Forbes led the offense with two hits. On the mound, Conor Thiele (0-1) took the loss, allowing four runs (one earned) over four innings of work.

Game 2: Braves 14, Tigers 6

The Tigers' offense found more rhythm in Saturday's contest, but a late-inning surge by the Braves sealed Salem's fate. Salem jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the second inning, highlighted by a Brandon Hoftijzer sacrifice fly. After falling behind, the Tigers showed resilience, tying the game twice—at 4-4 in the sixth on a Jimmy LaForce RBI groundout and again at 6-6 in the seventh following a Laforce RBI single.

The Braves responded with an eight-run eighth inning to put the game out of reach. Landon McAlpine and Joe Wintermute each recorded three hits for the Tigers, while Brandon Hoftijzer and Jimmy Laforce each contributed two RBIs. L.ogan Prater (0-1) was tagged with the loss in relief.

Game 3: Braves 9, Tigers 2

In the series finale on Sunday, Salem once again took an early lead. In the first inning, Cody Thomas reached on an error that allowed Brandon Hoftijzer to cross the plate. The Braves answered with a run in the bottom of the first and took the lead for good with a two-run homer in the third.

The Tigers added their final run in the seventh when Max Atkinson reached on an error that scored Chase Clemons. Brandon Hoftijzer paced the Tigers with three hits in the finale. Brian Kendall (0-1) suffered the loss, striking out six batters in four innings of work.

Up Next: The Tigers will look to bounce back as they continue their early-season schedule. Complete details on upcoming matchups can be found on the official Salem Tigers website.