Salem’s Carson Rhodes Shines in 4-2 Victory Over Minerva
In a thrilling matchup at Carl Michael Field, Salem’s senior pitcher Carson Rhodes delivered a standout performance, striking out 13 batters and going 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Quakers to a 4-2 victory over Minerva.
Rhodes dominated on the mound, tossing six shutout innings while only allowing two hits and seven walks. In a crucial moment in the second inning, Rhodes faced a bases-loaded jam but managed to strike out the next three batters to escape unscathed.
The Quakers’ offense came alive in the fourth inning, with Keegan Sommers driving in two runs with a groundout. Colin Riesen and Cyle Burt also contributed with two hits each, as Salem totaled seven hits and eight stolen bases in the game.
The top of the Salem lineup was particularly effective, with Rhodes, Troy Gibson, Riesen, and Burt all crossing home plate to secure the victory.
Lance Bailey closed out the game on the mound for Salem, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits with three strikeouts and one walk.
With the win, Salem improves to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the Eastern Buckeye Conference, while Minerva falls to 0-7 and 0-3 in the EBC.
In other baseball action, Heartland secured their first win of the season with a 13-1 victory over Lisbon, Indian Creek dominated Beaver Local 19-2, United shut out Western Reserve 10-0, and Columbiana cruised past Leetonia 17-1.
West Branch remained undefeated at 9-0 after a 4-1 win over Marlington, and Toronto overwhelmed United 15-3 with a strong offensive performance.