Mighty Oaks nearly come all the way back from early five-run deficit, but rally in the seventh stopped short
By Riverview Sports News
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Salem CC nearly came all the way back from a five-run deficit, but its three-run rally in the top of the seventh came up just short and the Oaks suffered their first loss on this Southern swing 9-8 to Penn State-New Kensington Tuesday night.
The Oaks (1-2) fell behind 9-4 after four innings as their pitchers had trouble locating the plate early and issued 10 walks and hit three batters in the first four innings. John McAllister, a sophomore right-hander from Salem, after a rough start kept the Nittany Lions off the board in the final two innings. McAllister walked three, but gave up no hits and was charged with no runs in 2 2/3 innings.
The early runs were the first the Oaks have given up on the trip, having opened the swing with a 6-0 shutout of Cairn University JV Monday night.
They got a run in the sixth on Nick Ciesielka’s RBI ground out to make it 9-5, then they loaded the bases with none out in the seventh and brought all three runners home to get within a run. The runs scored on a passed ball, an infield out and Yen Rodriguez’ RBI single to right.
Rodriguez got all the way to third with the tying run and Ciesielka got to second with the go-ahead run, but Demetrius DeRamus popped to short after fouling off several pitches to end the game.
In both of their losses this season the Oaks rallied in the late innings and had the go-ahead runners in scoring position. They are literally two clutch hits away from being 3-0.
“Tough loss tonight,” Oaks coach John Holt said. “The boys played hard for all seven (innings). We’re learning lessons and getting better. If we continue to learn and make adjustments we will be OK.”
Rodriguez, DeRemus and Joe Fekete had two hits apiece for the Oaks.
The swing continues with two games Wednesday – Rochester Community and Technical College at 2 p.m. and the College of DuPage at 6:30.
The Salem softball team opens its season in Myrtle Beach Wednesday, playing Southeastern in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.
| Salem CC | 001 | 301 | 3 – | 8 | 8 | 1 |
| Penn State-New Kensington | 123 | 300 | x – | 9 | 5 | 1 |
Riverview Sports News 