Salem University opened postseason play with a 6-3 victory over Florida National on Monday evening in DuBois, Pennsylvania, advancing behind a big second inning and a strong outing from Jackson Thoma.
Florida National struck first in the opening inning, taking advantage of an error before James Snyder delivered an RBI double to left field for a 1-0 lead.
The Tigers answered immediately in the bottom of the second with a four-run frame that shifted momentum for good. Chase Clemons opened the inning with a double and later stole third before Salem loaded the bases. Joe Wintermute tied the game on an RBI fielder's choice, setting the stage for Brandon Hoftijzer, who launched a three-run homer down the left field line to give Salem a 4-1 advantage.
Salem added another run in the fourth inning when Wintermute singled and stole second before Cody Thomas lined an RBI double to right-center to extend the lead to 5-1.
Thoma kept the Florida National offense in check through the middle innings, retiring nine straight batters at one point. The right-hander worked 5.1 innings, allowing three runs — two earned — on four hits while striking out five to improve to 5-2 on the season.
Florida National made things interesting in the sixth inning when Christopher Rivera connected on a two-run homer to cut the deficit to 5-3, but Salem answered in the bottom half. Wintermute tripled down the right field line and scored on a sacrifice fly from Hoftijzer to push the lead back to three runs.
Richie Preston closed the door in the seventh inning, striking out two batters in a perfect frame to record his seventh save of the year.
Wintermute led Salem offensively, going 2-for-4 with three runs scored, a triple, and a stolen base. Thomas continued his hot hitting with a 3-for-4 performance that included two doubles and an RBI. Hoftijzer drove in four runs on the night with his three-run homer and sacrifice fly, while Clemons added a double and two stolen bases.
Salem finished with seven hits and five walks in the victory while improving to 34-17 overall.
