By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore. The South Salem defense came in clutch for the Saxons as they shook off the Winter’s rust in their 6-3 victory over Ida B. Wells Tuesday afternoon.
The outfield navigated through the soft ground from the recent rains to make clutch plays. Noah Scharer led the outfield while Sawyer Nelson and Kevin Semm helped anchor the infield with the routine plays and putouts to help keep South Salem ahead after their early game offensive spurt. An offensive spurt that featured a three-run Home Run in the first inning by Scharer and a solo Home Run in the third by Jackson Buckingham.
“It was definitely an interesting day, not perfect conditions obviously. The outfield was pretty swampy, but we got the job done and tracked them down,” said Scharer. “It’s a great start to the season for sure. Energy was here for sure all game, and I like where we’re at right now.”
Coming off of their 25-4, 6A State Semi-Final finish last season and only graduating one in Carter Nelson from that squad coming into this season, the sights are high for South to finally reach the State Title Game for the first time since they won it all on 1991.
“Shaking off the rust and getting out here with the boys and coming back as a team. It’s been a while, and last time we’re playing here, we’re going for a State Championship,” said Jackson Buckingham. “Hit the ball and use what we got. We got talent and a loaded lineup, I don’t think we got a thing in there that doesn’t work. When we’re on, we’re on. “
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
