The Salem High baseball team is trying to find the magic they had back in late March and early April. The Spartans haven’t been the same since spring break.

After starting the season with nine wins in a row the Spartans have lost five of their last eight, including a 9-5 loss to Cave Spring at Kiwanis Field Tuesday. Salem is now 12-5 and hoping to get back on track as the post-season nears.

Tuesday against Cave Spring things started out well, as Salem held a 2-0 lead after three innings. However, the Knights started to figure out Salem pitcher Trevor Austin and touched him for three home runs, two in the sixth and one in the seventh, to win going away. Cave Spring had 13 hits for the game.

“At least we showed some heart,” said Salem coach Wes McMillan. “We just haven’t been the same team since spring break.”

Salem dropped an 8-5 game against Blacksburg last Friday as the Bruins swept the season series. Noah Beckley had three hits and Conner Mitchell drove in a couple runs for the Spartans.

Salem is back home Friday to play host to Carroll County.