The Salem High baseball team got the season off to a great start with three wins, including a thrilling come-from-behind victory over E.C. Glass to open the season. The 5-4 win avenged a disappointing loss to the Hilltoppers in last season’s Region 4D tournament.

In last Wednesday’s season opener on Billy Sample Field Salem trailed 4-0 into the bottom of the seventh inning. Brayden White led off the inning with a walk, then stole second and third and scored on a one-out single by Carter Black to cut the lead to 4-1.

Trace Monroe grounded out to second for the second out, moving Black to third. Mason Hale then singled on a ball that bounced over the shortstop’s head and scored Black to cut the lead to 4-2.

Thomas Millard was up next and he singled on a chopper in the 5-6 hole. Kolton Hedge drew a walk to load the bases, bringing up Chase Rutleadge. On a 2-0 count Chase blasted a line drive about 380 feet over the centerfielder’s head, clearing the bases with a triple for a thrilling walk-off win as teammates swarmed him on the field.

“I was proud of the guys for staying calm and confident,” said Salem coach Jimmy Winterer. “We started our season a little later than most teams, so we had some rust to knock off in the first five innings. They didn’t let the mistakes or missed opportunities keep them down, and fought hard until the last out. Chase came up with a very big hit in front of a great crowd. I know he will remember that moment for a long time.

Monroe started on the mound and threw four inns, giving up four runs on seven hits with eight strikeouts. Zach Bocock threw three innings in relief to pick up the win, allowing just one hit and fanning five.

On Friday Salem was back home to host Magna Vista and the Spartans took a 13-3 slaughter-rule win in six innings. The Warriors struck first in the top of the first inning with a two run home run to left by Caleb Denton but the Spartans answered with three runs in the bottom half and held the lead the rest of the way.

Black was three-for-three with three RBIs and two triples. Hale was four-for-four with four RBIs and three Doubles. Monroe was two-for-three with a run batted in.

Senior Keegan Craighead picked up his first win of the season on the mound, throwing four innings and striking out three.

On Tuesday Salem hosted Glenvar in a border rivalry game and picked up a 9-3 win. Carter Black had a big game for the Spartans, pitching five innings of one-hit shutout ball to pick up the win. He was also three-for-three with a triple, his third of the season and seventh of his Salem High career to break the school record.

Thomas Millard had two hits and two RBIs while Jack Stroud and Brayden White drove in two runs each. Glenvar had two hits, one each by Cam Feazell and Rhett Henderson.

The Highlanders are back in action today with their Three Rivers District opener at Patrick County. Salem is back home Friday to host Lord Botetourt at Kiwanis Park with the first pitch scheduled for 5:30 pm.