For the second time in eight days Salem High softball pitcher Reagan Owens lost a heartbreaker. The Spartans lost to Cave Spring Tuesday at the Moyer Complex, 1-0, for their second 1-0 defeat in a week and a day.

“She pitched great but we couldn’t get her any runs,” said Salem High coach Johnny Counts.

Cave Spring’s only run was unearned and came in the top of the sixth. Reagan allowed six hits and struck out three, and her counterpart in the other dugout was equally strong. Cave Spring’s Abby Weaver pitched a two hit shut out and struck out 10. Maggie King and Kendra Bolen had Salem’s hits.

The loss dropped the Spartans to 2-8 on the season. Last Thursday the Spartans lost at William Byrd, 7-1, as Jada Karnes pitched a three hitter for the Terriers. King, Liz Warren and Owens had hits for Salem.

On Friday at home the Spartans dropped a 7-2 game to Blacksburg in a River Ridge District game. Owens drove in both runs at the plate but was the losing pitcher.

“The team is playing better and has faced some of the strongest teams in the area,” said Counts. “The defense has improved greatly since the start of the season and Reagan is throwing the ball great. We have to keep grinding and start scoring a few runs as we go into the second half of our season.”

Salem was at Patrick Henry on Wednesday, but results were too late for publication.