By SPENCER BATES
SALAMANCA — Behind a composed and effective offense, the Salamanca baseball team took care of business in five innings against Pine Valley.
The Warriors had already faced the Panthers this season, claiming an 11-7 victory back on March 31. In that game, Salamanca held a 9-1 lead going into the sixth frame, but Pine Valley brought six runs across in the inning to put the affair right back into contention.
Nearly a month and half later and this time there would be no such late drama as the Warriors controlled the game from the start and emerged victorious by a 16-3 margin.
In the eyes of Salamanca head coach Greg Herrick, the difference between the two meetings of the sides this season showed just how much the team has grown in the short time in between.
“We’re definitely getting better at-bats and more confidence against really good competition with a lot of different lineups,” Herrick said. “If you look at our lineup card, it’s kind of crazy to see how many combinations we’ve played. The kids are competing for spots and … even in a game like this, they know they got to continue to put good at-bats together to get in the lineup. So, I liked their level of competition. I like our growth. We just got to finish games. … We gotta learn how to close out games, but there’s definitely big progress.”
Salamanca wasted no time in round two against Pine Valley, jumping out to a big lead after scoring three in the first inning and six in both the second and third frames before adding a final run in the fourth.
Payton Bradley’s perfect 5-for-5, three run, three RBI performance highlighted the strong offensive showing. Behind him, both Parker Stahlman (2-for-4, 3 runs, 3 RBI, walk) and Nolan Seeley (2-for-2, run 3 RBI, walk) produced multi-hit outings.
As a team, the Warriors produced 11 hits, making it the second game of their last three in which they have eclipsed double figures in the hit column. Another sign of maturity according to Herrick.
“I think we’re learning not to chase,” Herrick said. “I think our pre-pitch recognition is better. Our preparation is better. And that all comes with getting in swings. We just gotta continue to do more work in the offseason so that we get a faster start and there’s quicker growth once the season gets going. It’s a tough game, and to pick up a bat and try to go against some of the pitchers that we’ve been facing, it’s a year-long process. So, I’m happy with the growth. … I think that we’ll be competitive come playoff time, and that’s all you can ask as a coach.”
When all was said and done, Salamanca sent 15 different players to the plate and used two different pitchers. Playing with as significant of a lead as his team had, Herrick took the opportunity to give some of the team’s younger members more looks at the varsity level. After all, the goal of the team going into the season was a hybrid of fostering development and seeking out wins.
One such player that got significant experience was starting pitcher Zander Milks, who threw 3.0 innings. And while he did walk eight batters, he avoided giving up a single hit.
“It’s about balancing growth with competing this year for our seniors and upperclassmen,” Herrick said. “We’ve been committed to getting guys like Zander Milks time on the mound and this is the perfect night to do it. Now, he walked eight, but he didn’t give up a hit. So we just got to continue to find the strike zone and work on mechanics. … I’m pleased with the way he fought through some of the free passes. And he’s not the only one, we continue to be committed to making this a three or four year project where our young guys get time, they get experience, and they learn how to fight back from adversity.”
Salamanca will look to take the momentum of the win into its next game, at home against Silver Creek on May 12 at 5 p.m.
AT SALAMANCA
Salamanca 366 10X X R:16 H:11 E:3
Pine Valley 020 10X X R:3 H:3 E:2
Sala: Milks (1 SO, 8 BB), McCormick and Seeley
PV: Meyers (4 SO, 4 BB), Austin (1 SO, 4 BB), Slade (5 SO, 3 BB) and Howard
