TOMS RIVER NJ
The SCC Mighty Oaks opened up their season at Ocean County, embarking on Salem's first baseball season in five years. Ocean scored early in game one, taking a 4-0 lead before Jacob Roberts and Ryan Dipper answered back in the bottom of the second driving in three runs. The Mighty Oaks trailed 4-3. Jake Roberts came up big again in the bottom of 4 driving in another run to take a 5-4 lead. Salem pulled ahead with back to back doubles by Ryan Dipper and Alex Williford, coming into an 8-6 lead. The Vikings were able to push 8 across the plate all with two outs, causing the game to slip away from SCC. The final score was OCC 14 SCC 10. Alex Williford performed at the plate racking up a single, double, and homerun in game 1. Ryan Dipper matched his three hits with two doubles and a single.
Game 2 saw fewer hits. SCC went up 1-0 early in the game. Left handed pitcher Trevor Mitchell started on the mound. Ocean answered back taking the lead in the top of 4, 2-1. Ryan Dipper came in as reliever. The Mighty Oaks took a 3-2 lead with Sean Smith and Tyler Lashley crossing the plate in the 4th. The were able to hold the Vikings scoreless in the 5th and 6th inning. SCC left two on base in the top of the seventh, holding onto their 1 run lead for the final three outs of the game. Ryan Dipper closed off game with a strike out to give Salem a split on the day, and the first win since SCC Baseball's five year hiatus.
Next up, Salem will be on the road to Ripken Complex, SC to for 5 games against Penn State Beaver, Penn State Hazleton, Lakeland Community, and College of DuPage.
