MORGANTOWN, WV – In a game that defined "never say die," the Salem Tigers rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure a stunning 10-9 walk-off victory over Illinois Springfield on Sunday at Kendrick Family Ballpark.
Despite being out-hit 16-8, the Tigers capitalized on 10 walks and four hit-by-pitches to claw their way back from multiple deficits. The win improves Salem's record to 8-4 on the season.
The Final Charge
Entering the bottom of the ninth trailing 9-7, the Tigers' comeback was fueled by incredible plate discipline:
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Chase Clemons ignited the rally with a leadoff single.
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After Ryan Chordis (pinch-running for Reese Rinna) and Aaron Forbes reached to load the bases, Brandon Hoftijzer took one for the team, earning an RBI hit-by-pitch to cut the lead to one.
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Jimmy Laforce then drew a four-pitch walk to knot the game at 9-9.
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The heroics were completed by Jared Layfield, who battled through a 10-pitch at-bat to draw the game-winning, bases-loaded walk, sending the Tigers home with the victory.
Early Seesaw Battle
The game started as a struggle for Salem, as Illinois Springfield jumped out to a 5-0 lead by the second inning. The Tigers began their response in the bottom of the second when Brandon Hoftijzer doubled down the left-field line to score Forbes, followed quickly by a Jared Layfield RBI single.
Salem continued to chip away in the fourth and fifth innings. Max Castro delivered a clutch RBI single in the fourth, and a chaotic fifth inning saw the Tigers plate three runs thanks to RBI contributions from Forbes and Hoftijzer, along with a Springfield throwing error that allowed Reese Rinna to cross the plate.
Defensive & Pitching Notes
Andrew George was the unsung hero on the mound, providing three scoreless innings of relief to keep the Tigers within striking distance and earning his first win of the season. On the basepaths, Salem was aggressive, recording five stolen bases, including two by Hoftijzer and one each from Landon McAlpine, Jimmy Laforce, and Chase Clemons.
