SALEM, W.Va. — Salem University earned a split in Saturday's doubleheader against West Virginia State at Frank Loria Field, bouncing back from a tough Game 1 loss to secure a 4-0 shutout victory in the nightcap.
West Virginia State took the opener 5-1, but Salem responded behind a strong pitching performance and timely hitting in Game 2.
In the first game, Salem struck first with a run in the third inning when Joe Wintermute scored on a sacrifice fly by Landon McAlpine. However, that would be the Tigers' only offense of the game.
West Virginia State answered in the fourth inning, taking control on a two-run home run by Aidan Paulsen that put the Yellow Jackets ahead for good at 2-1. They added another run in the fifth on a passed ball and broke things open in the seventh with a two-run double from Angel Oquendo.
Salem managed just five hits in the loss, with Tyson Shumaker leading the way with two. Starting pitcher Conor Thiele went 6.2 innings, allowing five runs (four earned) while striking out three.
The Tigers turned things around quickly in Game 2.
Salem jumped on top early, plating three runs in the first inning. Cody Thomas delivered an RBI double, Brandon Hoftijzer followed with an RBI triple, and Aaron Forbes capped the rally with a run-scoring single to give Salem a 3-0 lead.
That was more than enough support for starting pitcher Jackson Thoma, who was dominant on the mound. Thoma tossed 6.1 scoreless innings, allowing six hits while striking out three to improve to 3-0 on the season. Richie Preston closed out the final two outs to secure the shutout.
Salem added an insurance run in the fifth inning when Joe Wintermute came through again with an RBI single to extend the lead to 4-0.
Offensively, the Tigers were paced by Thomas (2-for-3, RBI), Forbes (2-for-4, RBI), and Hoftijzer, who contributed a triple and an RBI. Wintermute also added an RBI hit in the win.
West Virginia State threatened at times, collecting six hits and putting runners on base, but Salem's pitching staff held firm, stranding six runners and keeping the Yellow Jackets off the scoreboard.
